The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is making significant strides in promoting the importance of millets, also known as “Shri Anna.” To this end, the state government is funding the ‘Uttar Pradesh Millets Revival Program,’ which entails a comprehensive action plan to raise awareness about millets among the public. This program not only aims to encourage millet-based recipes but also seeks to educate people about the nutritional value of these grains.
Efforts to promote millet cultivation have been underway, but the government is taking further steps to popularize millet usage among the general population across the state. The program involves conducting consumer awareness programs in all districts and integrating millets into the school curriculum.
Starting from February 1, 2023, the Agriculture Department launched a comprehensive campaign to encourage farmers to cultivate millets across the state. As part of this campaign, free seed minikits were distributed to farmers to support and promote millet cultivation. Simultaneously, advertisements in newspapers and electronic media were employed to raise awareness about the benefits of millets among the general population.
Building upon these efforts, the government is now encouraging the establishment of millet-based processing units in the state. District-level plans have been formulated to promote millets, including the development of millet recipes, organizing consumer awareness programs, incorporating millets into the school curriculum, and providing comprehensive training to teachers.
Fairs supervised by Millets Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) will showcase and promote various millet-based products, creating greater acceptance and usage of millets in the state. These fairs aim to educate school students, parents, and teachers about the merits of millets and include them as value-added and value-pressed products.
To raise awareness about the benefits of millets, various competitions like essay writing, quizzes, and project works will be organized. Special training will be provided to 200 teachers initially, who will further spread awareness about millets and dispel myths surrounding them.
The District Magistrates will oversee the implementation of these programs in all districts, and committees will be formed with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective execution. Budget allocation for these activities will be handled by the Deputy Director of Agriculture after the committee’s approval, ensuring the smooth functioning of millet promotion activities in respective districts.
With the Uttar Pradesh Millets Revival Program in motion, the state is taking a proactive stance in promoting millet-based nutrition and cultivation, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for “Shri Anna” among the people.
Also Read: Yogi Adityanath Urges Muslim Side for Solution in Gyanvapi Mosque Row
