A press statement released on August 18 by the Uttar Pradesh government stated that with the objective of encouraging millet consumption and boosting farmers’ income, the state government has decided to incorporate millets in the form of bajra khichdi into the mid-day meals provided to children in government schools.
“The government is already procuring maize and bajra at the Minimum Support Price [MSP] and has decided to purchase jowar along with paddy at MSP starting this kharif season [summer],” the press note added.
The statement claims that such decisions made by the Uttar Pradesh government would have a significant impact as the inclusion of bajra in the mid-day meal, will soar its demand, in turn offering better prices to farmers for the crop in the open market.
The government hopes that the better prices will encourage farmers to produce millets.
According to the press release, the move will be beneficial for the health of the common man, as well as bring prosperity to the farmers.
“In the future, the same situation may also happen to jowar. Millets are also good for the environment. They require less water than other cereals and can thrive without fertilizers or pesticides in poor soils. As a result, they are a good crop for farmers in dry regions dealing with the effects of climate change,” it stated.
