Millets National Media Portal
Millets National Media Portal
To boost the production of coarse cereals like Mandua (Finger Millet) and Jhangora (Indian Barnyard Millet), the Uttarakhand government plans to introduce a millet policy in the upcoming financial year. The draft policy is nearly complete and will soon be presented to the state cabinet for approval.
The policy aims to expand the area for growing coarse cereals and improve the collection process from farmers. It includes doubling the incentives for women’s self-help groups involved in collecting these crops and setting up processing units at the block and cluster levels. Once approved, the policy will be implemented in all 68 blocks of the state.
Coarse cereals like Mandua and Jhangora have been traditionally grown in Uttarakhand, but migration and wildlife damage have affected production. The United Nations declared 2023 as the "International Year of Millets" to raise awareness, prompting Uttarakhand to focus more on these grains. The government launched the "State Mission on Millets" to promote their cultivation and consumption, with positive results so far.
However, challenges remain in increasing the area under Mandua and Jhangora cultivation, especially in the hilly areas. Currently, Mandua is grown on 68,806 hectares, and the government plans to expand this by targeting 24 blocks in the first phase and 44 blocks in the second phase. Subsidies will be given to farmers for seed availability.
The government's millet-focused efforts aim to revive traditional farming and create economic opportunities for farmers in Uttarakhand’s hills, supporting both food security and sustainable agriculture.
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