The Rajasthan Government, under the Central Government's initiative to promote Shree Anna focusing on coarse grains, intends to replace wheat with millets (bajra) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) from November to January. A government spokesperson announced, "We plan to procure approximately ten lakh metric tons of millets directly from farmers to distribute among beneficiaries covered under the Food Security Act in Rajasthan."
Sumit Godara, Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, stated, "During the three winter months, around 4.40 crore beneficiaries will each receive five kilograms of Bajra monthly." He highlighted Rajasthan's leadership in this initiative, emphasizing Bajra's status as a major crop in the state known for its significant health benefits.
Initial discussions with Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma have commenced to ensure that millet-producing farmers receive government support prices. Rajasthan, contributing about 40 percent of the country's total millet production, stands as the largest producer of this crop. However, the procurement of millet at government support prices has been a longstanding political issue in the state.
Experts suggest that the state government's decision to distribute millets through the PDS will likely resolve the procurement issue related to government support prices. This initiative is also expected to yield political advantages for the BJP, especially given that major millet-producing districts include Jaipur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Sikar, Ganganagar, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, and Jalore.
These districts have experienced significant setbacks for the BJP in both assembly and parliamentary elections, largely due to farmer discontent. Furthermore, the Rajasthan government has integrated coarse grains (Shree Anna) into its Annapurna Rasoi Yojna, offering meals to the needy at a subsidized rate of just Rs 8 per plate.
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