The District Industries Centre (DIC), Mysuru, and RUDSET Institute, Hinkal, Mysuru, have given me a livelihood. Their cooperation and the 10-day EDP training I received are the primary reasons I was able to start this enterprise. Additionally, my mother succumbed to cancer when I was just 6 years old. In those days, struggling for a single meal was a reality. I completed my education up to PUC. I was elected to the Town Panchayat as an independent candidate for the first time in 2007, and served a second time as a Municipal Councilor. Those days of hardship were the true inspiration behind starting this enterprise. Having continuously studied millets for 6 years, I am presenting some brief information on the immense benefits our country can reap if people start consuming them.
The Health Epidemic & Our Solution
On November 27, 2020, the Andolana newspaper published a report on a program by diabetologist Dr. M.S. Raghu, titled "Lifestyle Change is the Cure for Diabetes."
- Global Impact: According to the report, 1.6 million people die from diabetes every year globally, and 422 million people suffer from the disease.
- National Impact: In India, 3% of children and 11% of the general population suffer from diabetes. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to 15%.
Previously, diabetes typically appeared after the age of 40, but due to changing dietary habits and lifestyles, the numbers are rising significantly. This can only be prevented by increasing the consumption of millet-based foods. Realizing this, I created a mixed millet powder using 9 types of millets, 4 types of dry fruits, turmeric, ginger, barley, rice, and cardamom, and have been providing this to the public for the past 10 years. About 95% of the people who used our millet powder have seen health improvements, living happily and free from the daily pills they used to take.
Driven by this success, I established a small food processing unit 8 years ago at an estimated cost of Rs. 50.00 Lakh, which proved successful. Currently, in partnership and including working capital, I have established the Nambike Siridhanya Company in the Kadakola Industrial Area, Nanjangud Taluk, Mysuru District, at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.00 Crore.
Global Water Crisis & The Importance of Millets
According to a 2025 WHO & UNICEF report, 2.1 billion people (210 crore)—meaning 1 in 4 people worldwide—still lack access to safe drinking water. Recognizing this, I have gathered useful information from agricultural experts, doctors, scholars, veterinarians, and informative books. Below is comprehensive, data-driven information on the benefits of growing, consuming, and preserving millets.
A Report on Millets (Karnataka Context)
Our state of Karnataka has a population of over 7.00 Crore. If just 5% of the state's population consumes millets monthly, the following outlines the requirements, employment generation, water savings, land preservation from chemical fertilizers, fodder generation for livestock, and the path toward an "Aatmanirbhar" (self-reliant) economic progress through a disease-free society.
Key Benefits & Requirements
- Consumption Rate: If 5% of the state's population (35 lakh people) consumes 1 kg per month, it requires 4.2 crore kg of millets for 12 months. Converted to quintals (divided by 100), this requires 4.2 lakh (420,000) quintals of Nambike Millet Powder.
- Land Requirement: On average, 1 acre of land yields 7 quintals across 9 types of millets. To grow 4.2 lakh quintals at 7 quintals per acre, 60,000 acres of land are required. If millets are grown twice a year, only 30,000 acres are needed.
Water Savings Comparison
| Crop Type | Water Required per Acre | Total Water (for 60,000 Acres) |
|---|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | ~18 Lakh Liters | 108,000,000,000 Liters |
| Millets | ~5 Lakh Liters | 30,000,000,000 Liters |
| Total Water Saved | 13 Lakh Liters | 78,000,000,000 Liters |
- Livestock Conservation: Besides our birth mother, the cow is considered our second mother. Preserving cattle and transitioning away from chemical fertilizers is vital for our soil.
- Reduction in Chemical Fertilizers: Growing paddy on 60,000 acres requires 9,000 tons of chemical fertilizer. Growing millets prevents this massive chemical usage and protects the soil.
- Fodder Generation: Yields 72,000 tons of fodder across 60,000 acres, sufficient to feed 32,876 cattle year-round.
- Dairy Farming Support: Provides indirect employment to 16,438 people while boosting sustainable dairy farming.
- Natural Manure: Yields 131.5 tons of natural cow dung manure every single day.
Employment Generation and Economic Benefits
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lakhs of people lost jobs. With rapid automation, youths face employment challenges. Government minimum support prices for millets can generate lakhs of sustainable jobs.
Integrating this powder into Mid-Day Meals and Anganwadis will provide health and save crores for the state exchequer. Raw material needs include 24,000 quintals of dry fruits and 6,300 quintals of turmeric and ginger annually.
Quality & Certifications
Our company operates strictly under government regulations. Our Millet-Almond powder has been tested by C.F.T.R.I., and we have successfully obtained our ISO Certification, F.S.S.A.I. Certification, and a registered Trademark.
