Growing Appetite for Millets Spurs Business Expansion in Karnataka

BENGALURU: The rising popularity of millet-based foods is driving entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses, with local brands witnessing a surge in demand.

Gautam Raikar, the proprietor of Liki Foods, which specializes in millet-based ice creams, snacks, and other food products, opened his first outlet in Malleshwaram 1.5 years ago. Initially operating a manufacturing unit in Yelachenahalli with a capacity of 20,000 liters per month, Raikar is now preparing to expand. With increasing demand, potential partnerships with larger businesses, and growing export inquiries, he expects production needs to reach 50,000 liters daily. To meet this demand, he is setting up a larger facility, which is expected to open in the coming months.

Similarly, Davalappa Hipparagi, the founder of Mr. Millet in Raichur, has seen significant growth since starting his business five years ago. What began as a small operation producing 50–100 pounds of millet bread daily has now expanded to 700–1,000 pounds, along with 100 kg of cookies and 100 kg of rusks per day. These products are primarily supplied across the Kalyana Karnataka region. With increasing interest from urban consumers, Hipparagi and his team now travel to Bengaluru every weekend and are exploring opportunities to expand their presence in the city.

As awareness of millet-based products grows, entrepreneurs like Raikar and Hipparagi are gearing up to cater to the rising demand, signaling a bright future for the millet industry in India.

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