IMPACT OF MILLET MARKETING AND MILLET FINANCING AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN TELANGANA: A STUDY ON THE NATIONAL MILLET MISSION

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of millet marketing and millet financing on the economic empowerment of rural women in Telangana under the framework of the National Millet Mission (NMM). The research aims to evaluate how millet-based initiatives have enhanced women’s participation in agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and sustainable rural livelihoods. Primary data were collected from 200 rural women respondents across selected districts of Telangana through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools to assess the relationships between marketing opportunities, financial access, and women’s socioeconomic outcomes. The findings reveal that millet marketing and financing initiatives have significantly contributed to improving women’s income levels, decision-making ability, and entrepreneurial engagement. However, challenges such as limited access to credit, market linkages, and value-addition facilities persist. The study concludes that strengthening institutional support, financial inclusion mechanisms, and market infrastructure under the NMM can further enhance the socio-economic empowerment of rural women