The cultivation and consumption of millets have garnered increased attention due to their numerous health benefits and environmental sustainability. In this article, we will outline a comprehensive Millet Business Plan, covering various aspects of millet processing, value addition, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Millets, including Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Finger Millet, and others, present a significant opportunity for both health-conscious consumers and aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Millet Primary Processing Unit:
Millet primary processing involves cleaning, grading, and husk removal to make them suitable for human consumption. Establishing a millet processing unit requires careful consideration of space and machinery. To start, three essential machines are needed:
a. Grader-cum-Aspirator b. Destoner-cum-Aspirator c. Dehuller-cum-Aspirator (Single and Double Stage dehuller)
Grader-cum-Aspirator: Primary cleaning begins with a grader-cum-aspirator, equipped with different sieve sizes to suit various millet grains. Proper sieve selection is critical for quality grain separation. Before processing, ensure millet grains have a moisture level of around 11-12% or dry them in sunlight for 2-3 days. Solar dryers can also be employed. To prevent clogging, operators should use a brush to clear any blockages.
Destoner: The Destoner is essential for removing small stones and mud balls similar in size to the grains. It operates on gravity principles, effectively segregating lighter and heavier materials. Proper air adjustment is crucial for optimal results.
Dehuller-cum-Aspirator: Dehulling, the final step in primary processing, removes husks from cleaned grains. Two types of dehullers are commonly used:
- Centrifugal Dehullers: Employ an impeller for husk removal, with quality measured by the bran layer retention on the millet rice.
- Abrasive Dehullers: Include Emery and Rubber Roller types, which use grinding to remove husks.
Processing capacity and investment vary depending on the scale of the operation:
- Village/Community Level: A space of 200 sq. ft., a Destoner-cum-Grader, and a Dehuller suffice, with an estimated cost of approximately 2 lakhs.
- Small Scale Level: Requires at least 1200 sq. ft., two each of Destoner, Grader, and Dehuller, with a capacity of around 100 kg/hour, costing 4-5 lakhs.
- Medium Scale Level: With a capacity of 500-1000 kg/hour, this enterprise needs 5000 to 10,000 sq. ft. and costs around 20-30 lakhs.
- Large Scale Level: Major enterprises, primarily located in Nashik, require an investment ranging from 60-70 lakhs to 1 crore.
The cost of establishing a unit varies based on machinery capacity and scale. A smaller-scale tabletop dehuller, for instance, costs around Rs. 75,000. Solar-powered millet processing units are also gaining popularity in rural areas, reducing women’s drudgery.
- Millets Value Addition:
Value addition plays a crucial role in making millets more appealing to consumers and reducing post-harvest losses. It enhances taste, extends shelf life, and offers convenience. Millet-based value-added products include:
- Millet Puffs: Produced through explosive puffing, millet puffs expand grains while retaining their identity. Popping and puffing technologies are employed, resulting in crispy, tasty snacks with a shelf life of 2-4 months.
- Millet Rava/Khichdi/Idli Rava: Millet semolina, created through milling, is a ready-to-cook food ingredient used for various dishes, reducing preparation time.
- Millet Pasta and Vermicelli: Health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking millet-based pasta and vermicelli options. Machines like single screw extruders enable their production.
- Millet Extruded Snacks: Twin-screw hot extruders are used to create extruded snacks, improving their nutritional profile by incorporating millets.
- Millet Flakes: Millet flakes, made from soaked and roasted millet grains, expedite breakfast preparation and offer a convenient, nutritious option.
Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (Tamil Nadu) has also developed innovative millet-based products, such as edible millet film, non-dairy millet ice cream, millet milk powder, and millet-moringa pasta.
- Millet Business Plan for Millet Seed Entrepreneurs:
The demand for quality millet seeds is on the rise, presenting a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. While quality sorghum and pearl millet seeds are prevalent in India, there’s significant potential in the minor millets. Producing high-quality minor millet seeds can enhance production and productivity. Entrepreneurs can participate in government seed production programs to meet the growing demand for quality seeds.
- Millets Aggregators:
Aggregating millets in warehouses for supermarkets and the food industry is a viable business plan. Millets can be stored with husks for extended periods if proper storage principles are followed. By procuring millets from farmers and maintaining large warehouses, the needs of the food industry can be fulfilled.
- Millets Packaging for Supermarkets and Retail Industry:
Processed millet products can be packaged and supplied to retail and supermarket chains. Retailers are increasingly dedicating shelves to millet-based products, and attractive packaging can boost sales. Customized packaging options can be provided to meet client requirements.
- Millet Business Plan for Bakery Industry (Biscuits and Cakes):
Health-conscious consumers are seeking healthier alternatives to refined cereals in baked goods. Establishing a millet bakery unit requires planetary mixers, cookie-cutting machines, and rotary convection ovens. Millet-based cakes and biscuits are becoming popular, offering a healthier option for celebrations.
- Millet Business Plan for Millet-based Hotel Industry:
Hotels and restaurants are increasingly incorporating millet-based dishes into their menus, catering to health-conscious patrons. Entrepreneurs can supply millet-based tiffins and meals to such establishments, capitalizing on the growing demand for nutritious food options.
- Millet Business Plan for Export Industry:
India is the largest producer of millets, and there is significant demand in international markets. Exploring export opportunities for millets, both raw and processed, can be a lucrative venture. Initiatives like APEDA are facilitating millet exports to countries in Europe and beyond.
- Millet Business Plan for Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO):
Creating Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) can empower farmers to collectively engage in millet cultivation and sales. FPOs provide farmers with access to resources, technology, and markets, ultimately enhancing their income and livelihoods. Government support is often available for FPOs.
- Creating an E-commerce Online Platform for Millet Products:
The increasing trend of online shopping extends to groceries, providing an opportunity to create an e-commerce platform for millet products. A well-designed website featuring a wide range of millet-based products can cater to a broad customer base, particularly those seeking healthier food options.
- Millet Cutlery:
Addressing environmental concerns surrounding single-use plastic, edible millet-based cutlery offers an eco-friendly alternative. These innovative products are made primarily from millets and provide a sustainable solution to plastic pollution. Entrepreneurs can explore manufacturing edible cutlery, contributing to both society and the environment.
Points to Remember Before Starting a Millet Business:
- Conduct thorough market research and surveys.
- Visit successful enterprises and understand their challenges.
- Carefully assess machinery performance before purchasing.
- Consider training for new entrepreneurs.
- Understand sieve sizes and grain characteristics.
- Evaluate the shelf life of millet products.
Conclusion:
Millet-based businesses offer a wide array of opportunities, from primary processing to value addition and export. These versatile grains not only promote health but also support environmentally sustainable practices. Whether you’re interested in setting up a millet processing unit, venturing into value addition, or exploring export opportunities, the millet business landscape is ripe with potential. Embrace millets, and you’ll discover that they’re not only good for your health but also for the planet, farmers, and entrepreneurs alike.
