MP News: The Madhya Pradesh government is actively encouraging farmers to expand their agricultural activities, particularly in the cultivation of millets. In a recent initiative, the state government announced a ₹10 per kilogram incentive for farmers cultivating millets, aiming to boost production and raise awareness about the benefits of this nutritious grain.
The year 2023 was declared as the ‘Year of Millets,’ during which various programs and awareness campaigns have been launched to promote millet farming. Despite these efforts, only 3.5% of the total agricultural area in Madhya Pradesh is currently dedicated to millet cultivation. The government is determined to increase this percentage and has been implementing various strategies to achieve this goal.
Significant Growth in Millet Cultivation in 2023-24
According to the 2023-24 data, millets are now being cultivated on 620,000 hectares of land, up from 555,000 hectares in 2021-22. Although the area under cultivation has increased, Madhya Pradesh still ranks fifth in the country in terms of millet production. This new initiative aims to further encourage farmers to embrace millet farming, thereby enhancing their agricultural output.
Government Initiatives to Promote Millets
In January 2023, the state government organized a two-day conference on the production and marketing of millets. Additionally, the budget included the announcement of a new Shri Anna Research Institute in Dindori. To further promote millets, dishes made from these grains are now being served in the canteens of the state assembly and other key locations. The government is focusing on all aspects of the value chain, from crop production to storage, processing, marketing, and branding, to ensure the sustainability and profitability of millet farming.
Rising Millet Production
Madhya Pradesh produced 12.68 lakh tons of millets in 2023-24, a significant increase from 8.96 lakh tons in 2019-20. Bajra (pearl millet) is the most widely grown millet in the state, accounting for nearly 60% of the total millet production. The Mahakaushal region, including districts like Mandla, Dindori, and Balaghat, is particularly known for its high millet production.
Millets: A Profitable Crop for Farmers
Millets are especially beneficial in regions with low rainfall, where traditional crops like wheat and rice are challenging to grow. These grains require less water, minimal labor, and fewer fertilizers, making them an ideal crop for farmers in arid areas. Millets can thrive in smaller spaces and are known for their resilience, making them a profitable option for farmers.
The Madhya Pradesh government’s push towards millet cultivation is expected to increase farmers’ income while promoting a sustainable agricultural model in the state.
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