Millet Research Centre at PAU Could Support Crop Diversification

 

Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu has called on the central government to establish a dedicated millet research centre at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana. He suggested that the proposed centre should be named after Guru Nanak Dev Ji, honouring his early connection with millet consumption.

Speaking in Parliament, Sandhu emphasised the urgent need to diversify agriculture in Punjab, which currently relies heavily on the wheat and paddy system. He pointed out that promoting millets could help tackle serious issues such as excessive water use, soil degradation, and environmental imbalance.

He also praised Punjab Agricultural University for its historic contributions to India’s farming sector, particularly during the Green Revolution, and said that a millet-focused research centre would further enhance innovation and sustainability in agriculture. Such a centre, he added, could guide farmers in shifting towards more resilient and eco-friendly crops.

In response, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the government is already encouraging the cultivation of millets due to their nutritional value and lower water requirements. He noted that production of millets in the country has been rising with increased policy support.

The proposal highlights the growing focus on reviving traditional grains like millets to ensure sustainable farming and better livelihoods for farmers.

 

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