1. Situation Analysis / Problem Statement:

                In Anantapuram district, there is a growing need for nutritious and affordable food options, especially with increasing health awareness among consumers. However, limited availability of millet-based food outlets and lack of organized food enterprises restricted access to healthy diets. Additionally, rural youth, particularly women, faced challenges in establishing sustainable livelihoods due to lack of technical skills, market linkages, and business support.

                The region is drought-prone with scarce water resources, making millets a suitable and climate-resilient crop. Despite this advantage, millet utilization in daily diets remained low, and value addition opportunities were not fully exploited. This resulted in missed income opportunities and limited dietary diversification.

                Smt. Naga Deepthi, a young and aspiring entrepreneur from Anantapuram, ventured into the food business with a focus on promoting healthy millet-based diets. Recognizing the increasing demand for nutritious and traditional foods, she established Nisargah Millets and Food Court to provide quality meals while also generating sustainable income.

2. Plan, Implement and Support:

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) intervened to address these challenges by promoting millet-based entrepreneurship.

The following activities were carried out:

• Training Programmes: Conducted skill-based training on millet processing, preparation of value-added products, and food safety practices.
• Technical Guidance: Provided continuous advisory support on running a food enterprise, menu planning, and quality maintenance.
• Entrepreneurship Development: Guided Smt. Naga Deepthi in establishing Nisargah Millets and Food Court.
• Marketing Support: Assisted in developing marketing strategies including branding and customer outreach.
• Extension Strategies: Facilitated participation in melas, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns.
• Linkages: Connected her with Self Help Group (SHG) women for product diversification and supply chain strengthening.

3. Output:

Enhanced knowledge and skills in millet processing and food business management.Establishment of a functional food enterprise offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and catering services.Regular service to more than 600+ customers, indicating strong demand and acceptance.Improved quality and variety of millet-based food products.Monthly income generation of Rs. 80,000–85,000, ensuring financial stability.

4. Outcome:

Increased adoption of millet-based food consumption among local consumers.Expansion of business through WhatsApp groups, melas, word-of-mouth publicity, and media promotion.Horizontal spread of millet-based entrepreneurship ideas among nearby women and SHG groups.Strengthened livelihood opportunities for secondary beneficiaries through collaboration and product supply.Improved household economic status and financial independence.

5. Impact:

Economic Impact: Contribution to local economy through enterprise development and employment generation. Social Impact: Enhanced social status of the entrepreneur and motivation for rural youth and women to start similar ventures.Nutritional Impact: Increased awareness and consumption of healthy millet-based diets in the community.Environmental Impact: Promotion of millets as climate-resilient crops suitable for drought-prone areas like Anantapuram. Institutional Impact: Strengthened role of KVK in promoting agripreneurship and establishing successful rural enterprises.

Awards Received: Sri J Madhu Naveen Kumar, Nisargah millets and organics received Dr BR Ambedkhar best entrepreneur award at Vijayawada on 15.05.25