Meet Our Millet Growers

Ramesh has been growing millets for over 15 years using traditional organic methods passed down through generations. His 5-acre farm specializes in Foxtail and Barnyard millets, which he grows without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. 'Millets are not just crops for us, they are our heritage,' says Ramesh. He has seen his income increase by 40% since partnering with Rural Pantry, allowing him to invest in better irrigation and send his children to school.

Lakshmi is a pioneering woman farmer who transformed her family's 3-acre farm from cotton to millets five years ago. Despite initial skepticism from her community, she persevered and now grows some of the finest Ragi and Pearl Millet in the region. Her success has inspired 15 other women in her village to take up millet farming. 'When I started, people said millets won't give good returns. Today, my farm is more profitable than ever, and I'm helping other women achieve the same success,' she shares with pride.

A third-generation farmer, Suresh manages a 12-acre farm that has been in his family for over 60 years. He specializes in Little Millet and Kodo Millet, using a combination of traditional wisdom and modern sustainable techniques. Suresh has implemented water conservation methods that have reduced his water usage by 50% while maintaining high yields. His farm serves as a demonstration site for sustainable millet farming practices, hosting visits from agricultural students and fellow farmers.

Manjula is an innovative farmer who has revolutionized millet processing in her region. Beyond growing Ragi and Foxtail Millet on her 7-acre farm, she has established a small processing unit that adds value to her produce. She creates millet flour, flakes, and other products, increasing her income by 60%. Manjula also runs training programs for farmers on post-harvest processing and value addition, helping the entire community benefit from the millet value chain.

Venkatesh is a young farmer who returned to his village after completing his agriculture degree. He brought modern scientific approaches to traditional millet farming on his family's 8-acre land. Using soil testing, precision farming, and organic inputs, he has achieved yields 40% higher than the regional average. Venkatesh actively uses social media to share farming tips and has built a community of young millet farmers across South India.

At 65, Gangamma is one of the most respected millet farmers in her region. She has been growing millets for over 40 years and is known for maintaining indigenous seed varieties that are on the verge of extinction. Her 4-acre farm is like a living museum of millet biodiversity, housing 12 different varieties of millets. Gangamma actively participates in seed exchange programs and has helped preserve rare millet varieties for future generations.

Krishnamurthy leads a farmer collective of 25 families that collectively manages 150 acres of millet cultivation. As the president of the Millet Growers Cooperative, he has negotiated better prices for farmers and established direct market linkages. Under his leadership, the cooperative has achieved organic certification and has become a model for collective farming in the region. The cooperative's success has improved the livelihoods of all member families significantly.

Padma is a climate-smart farmer who has adapted her farming practices to deal with changing weather patterns. On her 6-acre farm, she grows drought-resistant millet varieties and has implemented rainwater harvesting systems. Her innovative approach to climate adaptation has made her farm resilient to droughts and erratic rainfall. Padma regularly conducts workshops on climate-resilient farming and has helped over 100 farmers adapt to climate change.