EOI for Special Programme for Promotion of Millets in Tribal-cum-Mining Areas of Keonjhar, Odisha under DMF (Odisha Millets Mission)

Expression of Interest (EoI) “Special Programme for Promotion of Millets in Tribal-cum-Mining Areas of Keonjhar, Odisha under DMF (Odisha Millets Mission)”

Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN), as the Programme Secretariat under the “Special Programme for Promotion of Millets in Tribal-cum-Mining Areas of Keonjhar, Odisha under DMF (Odisha Millets Mission)” is looking for potential Farmer Producer Organizations / Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) / Community Based Organizations (CBO) based in Keonjhar town and nearby GPs, herein after called as Applicants, to set up a Millets Processing Unit in Keonjhar town.

About the programme:

The Government of Odisha has taken up a special programme for promotion of millets in tribal areas in 72 blocks of 14 districts. The District Mineral Foundation of Keonjhar has extended the programme in 7 blocks of Keonjhar district.

Objective of the Programme:

• Promoting household level consumption
• Setting up decentralized Processing facilities.
• Improving Productivity of Millet Crops.
• Promoting Farmer Collectives and Marketing.
• Inclusion of Millets in State Nutrition Programmes.

Setting up of Primary Millets Processing Units

Under the programme, processing units are to be set up in each block to cater to the household level processing requirements and reduce women’s drudgery in processing. Another objective is to increase availability of processed millet grains for introducing millets in state nutrition programmes and the PDS. Thus, a millet processing unit shall be established by Programme Secretariat (WASSAN) in Keonjhar town to initiate a pilot on inclusion of millets in ICDS.

Thus, eligible, experienced and interested Farmer Producer Organizations / Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) / Community Based Organizations (CBO) are invited to apply for hosting the integrated Millets Processing Unit. The following machines shall be set up at the location identified by Programme Secretariat (WASSAN) with ATMA, Keonjhar and DMF, Keonjhar:

• Ragi Thresher-cum-Pearler (80 kg/hr)
• Cleaner-cum-Grader with Destoner (200-300 kg/hr)
• De-huller (200 kg/hr)
• Pulveriser / Flour Mill (20 to 30kg/hr)
• Other machines might be added as per decision on recipes to be served under ICDS/MDM.

The cost of machines shall be borne by the Programme Secretariat (WASSAN) while the operational expenses and management of the unit shall be undertaken by the selected group.

After selection of FPO/CBO/SHG by a district level committee and due approval by the Collectorcum-Chairman ATMA, the following steps shall be followed:

• A tri-partite agreement will be signed between the selected FPO/CBO/SHG, WASSAN and DDA cum PD, ATMA.
• WASSAN will place order for the empanelled machine suppliers for installation at the suitable place jointly identified by WASSAN, CDAO-cum-PD, ATMA and the selected FPO/CBO/SHG.
• WASSAN will organize training on the operational modalities of the processing units supported by the machine manufacturer. Members of selected CBO, local youth / mechanics and other programme staff shall participate in the training.
• After the training of the FPO/CBO/SHG, handholding support and support for business plan development on the operationalization shall be given by WASSAN.
• Norms for sale of processed products shall be derived through a consultative process and priority shall be given to the requirements for piloting millets based meals in ICDS/MDM.
• Regular monitoring on processing machine operations shall be done by WASSAN and CDAO-cum-PD ATMA.

Terms of Reference / Criteria for Selection:

• The FPO/CBO/SHG must be located within the Block area where the proposed enterprise is to be established.
• The FPO/CBO/SHG members must be literate; can read and write Odia and have a basic understanding of mathematical calculation.
• The FPO/CBO/SHG should not be a defaulter to any bank loan.
• The FPO/CBO/SHG must be willing to agree to the terms laid down and sign in the agreement.

Preference shall be given if -

• The FPO/CBO/SHG can arrange infrastructure such as land, building, electricity, water supply, working capital.
• Community Based Organization (CBO) is the Nodal CBO for Odisha Millet Mission programme in the Block.
• The FPO/CBO/SHG has license from government institutes, FSSAI certification and food business license.
• The FPO/CBO/SHG is an MSME registered under DIC.
• The FPO/CBO/ SHG currently operates/manages similar processing units.
• A successful FPO/CBO/SHG from any other government scheme such as Odisha Millets Mission/ Mission Shakti/ OLM/ ITDA/ OTELP/ OPELIP /NABARD/ SFAC etc.

How to Apply:

Interested FPO/SHG/CBO fulfilling the eligibility criteria may submit their application (Annexure-1 for Setting-up of Primary Millet Processing Unit) along with requisite resolution copy to District Coordinator, Programme Secretariat (WASSAN) at the District Project Management Unit, 1st Floor, Office of the CDAO, Keonjhar by post/Hand on or before 20.02.2020 by 05.00 PM.

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