Prayagraj: In a significant move to boost millet production, the Uttar Pradesh government is undertaking substantial efforts to encourage farmers to cultivate millets, process the grain, and sell value-added products, thereby increasing their income.
Millet Processing Centre in Chhata
MP Singh, in-charge of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (agricultural science centre) in Prayagraj, announced that the division's first millet processing centre, located at Chhata in Bahariya block, has been completed and will become operational in June.
Singh explained that the centre will handle tasks ranging from dehusking and grinding millets to producing value-added products. The total cost of the building and equipment was Rs 95 lakh.
Millets as Superfoods
Officials claimed that millets, once known in Uttar Pradesh as 'forgotten crops', are gaining a new identity as 'superfoods'. Pawan Kumar Vishwakarma, deputy director (agriculture), told TOI that millets are currently being cultivated across 65,000 hectares in the district.
This year, the government has provided subsidies to millet-growing farmers in various phases, resulting in an increase of 1,400 hectares in the cultivation area. More than 27,000 small and marginal farmers in the district are engaged in millet production.
Procurement Centres Established
So far, 27 procurement centres have been established where farmers can sell their produce. However, farmers do not see increased profits unless they sell their produce in the form of value-added products such as biscuits and cookies.
According to officials, participation of rural women will be ensured in the production of millet-based value-added products at this processing centre.
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About the Author
Kapil Dixit writes on crime, traffic, health, administration, politics and off-beat stories from Prayagraj. He has extensively covered Maha Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh and Magh Melas and state assembly as well as parliamentary polls from 2002 to 2025. His hobbies include reading, writing and meeting people with diverse interests.
