Millet Man of Telangana Veer Shetty: Supports Farmers in Millets Production

Born into a poor farming family in Gangapur village, Telangana, Mr. Veer Shetty Biradar’s life was anything but easy. Dropping out of school due to financial struggles, Shetty worked odd jobs, including as a truck driver, before fate nudged him toward a life-changing journey. A chance encounter in 2006, during a visit to famine-stricken Beed, Maharashtra, left Shetty heartbroken and determined. He vowed to address hunger, a commitment that ultimately led him to the world of millet an underrated yet powerful grain. And boy, has he made some moves since then. 🚜✨

Fast forward to today, Mr. Shetty is not just a farmer but a force of nature, helping farmers switch to sustainable millet farming and running a successful millet-based business. They don’t call him “The Millet Man of Telangana” for nothing.

Empowering Farmers Through a 12-Month Journey 

Mr. Shetty understands that transitioning to millet farming can be daunting for small farmers. That’s why his “Swayam Shakthi Agri Foundation” offers a structured 12-month program that supports farmers every step of the way.

Here’s how it works:

1. Land Preparation: The first step involves clearing and revitalizing the soil to make it suitable for millet cultivation. Mr. Shetty’s team works closely with farmers, guiding them on the ground to optimize their land for the new crop. Think of it as a soil makeover.

1. Financial Security: To ease financial stress, Mr. Shetty ensures farmers sign a Memorandum of Understanding that provides a 40% advance payment and a guarantee to purchase all healthy millet crops over 12 months. From day one, farmers and their families have financial certainty, no more sleepless nights worrying about income.

1. Seeding: The program sources high-quality seeds and trains farmers in the best planting techniques, ensuring strong yields right from the start. It’s farming, but make it pro-level.

1. Monitoring: Millet farming experts visit farms every two weeks (or more often if needed) to check on crop health, address concerns, and guide farmers on optimizing their harvests. It’s like having a personal crop coach.

1. Harvest: Harvesting millets is as much an art as it is a science. Mr. Shetty’s team ensures farmers understand how to navigate multi-speed germination and achieve an optimal harvest. Masterclass alert!

1. Final Purchase & Transport: After the crop is harvested, Swavalamban Agri Foundation guarantees the purchase of the produce. Farmers receive their final payment, and the crop is transported off the land, seamless and hassle-free.

A Legacy of Excellence: Awards and Recognition🏆

Mr. Shetty’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. His efforts to promote millet farming and empower farmers have earned him several prestigious awards:

• ‘Best Farmer Award’ from the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) for his exceptional contribution to sustainable farming.

• ‘Dr. M.V. Rao Memorial Award’ from Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) in recognition of his innovative millet initiatives.

• ‘Best Millet Misharayya Award’ from the Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR) for his impact in reviving millet-based agriculture.

For Mr. Shetty, these accolades are not just trophies but reminders of the change he’s creating, one farm at a time.

Entrepreneurship: From Roti Shop to Millet Empire

In 2009, Mr. Shetty took his first entrepreneurial leap with just ₹20,000 in hand. He opened a modest millet roti shop in Hyderabad, which marked the beginning of his millet journey. And guess what? People ate it up literally.

• From Shop to Company: That small roti shop evolved into S S Bhavani Foods Pvt Ltd, named after his daughter. Today, the company manufactures over 60 millet-based products, including millet laddu, millet atta, and even immunity-boosting blends like Millovit Health Mix.

• Farm-to-Plate Model: Shetty’s business covers every step of the process, farming, processing, manufacturing, and retail. Talk about next-level hustle!

• Growth Numbers: With three stores, including one in Delhi, and a factory in Hyderabad, Shetty’s venture now employs more than 40 people.

Mr. Shetty hasn’t just built a business; he’s built a brand that stands for sustainability and health. 🥇

Why Millets? The Superfood We’ve Been Sleeping On

Move over quinoa; millets are having their moment. Mr. Shetty has long championed this grain, and here’s why:

• Nutritional Powerhouse: Millets are packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re gluten-free and are proven to control diabetes, reduce obesity, and improve cardiovascular health.

• Climate Resilience: Unlike water-guzzling crops like rice and wheat, millets thrive in droughts and floods. They’re a farmer’s best bet in an era of climate change.

• Low Maintenance: They’re disease-resistant and require minimal pesticides, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective for farmers.

“Millets are not just food; they’re a lifeline,” Mr. Veer Shetty Biradar.

Helping Farmers Transition: The Case for Millet Farming

Switching to millets isn’t just good for the planet it’s life-changing for farmers:

1. Climate Adaptation: Millets need less water and are more resistant to drought and flooding, making them ideal for unpredictable weather patterns.

1. Farmer Welfare: By providing stable income and reducing dependency on high-interest loans, millet farming helps lift farmers out of financial despair.

1. Food Security: Millets can reduce reliance on imported grains, promoting self-sufficiency.

For Mr. Shetty, the push for millet is as much about humanity as it is about sustainability.

The Global Millet Revival 🌍

Thanks to advocates like Mr. Veer Shetty Biradar, millets are experiencing a global comeback:

• Asia and Africa: Countries like India, China, and Nigeria are embracing millet-rich diets again.

• The West: Slowly but surely, millets are gaining popularity as the next big superfood.

Conclusion: A Legacy Rooted in Resilience

Mr. Veer Shetty Biradar’s story is a powerful reminder that adversity doesn’t define us, what we do with it does. From a dropout to a millet mogul, Mr. Shetty has turned his struggles into a mission that uplifts others.

In the words of Mr. Shetty himself, “Millets aren’t just a crop; they’re hope, resilience, and a way forward.”  And honestly? We’re all rooting for this Millet Man to keep changing the world, one grain at a time. 💪🌾✨