States Urged to Support Millets, Reduce Dependence on Water-Intensive Crops

The Central government has advised states to review their crop bonus policies and consider redirecting support towards pulses, oilseeds, and millets to encourage more balanced farming practices. The suggestion is intended as guidance, allowing states the flexibility to decide how best to implement changes based on their local conditions.

This recommendation comes amid concerns that higher incentives for crops like paddy and wheat have led to their overproduction, often at the cost of other important crops. As a result, pulses, oilseeds, and millets—which are both nutritious and less resource-intensive—have received comparatively less attention.

By promoting these crops, the Centre aims to strengthen domestic production, reduce dependence on imports, and support sustainable agriculture. These crops typically require less water and are better suited to withstand changing climate conditions, making them valuable for long-term farming resilience.

The advisory reflects a broader effort to encourage crop diversification while improving nutritional security and ensuring more stable incomes for farmers. It also highlights the need for policies that balance productivity with environmental sustainability.

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