Question.
What are the main features of the Uttar Pradesh Millets Revival Programme?
(UPPSC Mains General Studies-VI/GS-6 2023 Solutions)
Answer.
About Millets:
Millets are known as coarse grains and have high nutritional value.
For example, ragi is rich in iron, calcium, other micronutrients, and roughage.
Due to its high nutritional value, the United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
Jowar, Bajra, and ragi are important millet crops in India.
The Central Government announced the Shree Anna ( divine foodgrain) Scheme in 2023 for popularising millet and raising their consumption.
Rajasthan ( 27%) is the largest producer of Millets in India followed by Karnataka ( 18%), Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
As far as the production of millets in Uttar Pradesh is concerned, Jowar, Bajra, Kodo, and Sanwa are primarily millet crops of Uttar Pradesh.
Although, Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of food grains in India for about 18.90 % share of India, however, Uttar Pradesh is the fourth largest producer of millet in India for about 12 % share of India.
A two-day Millets Mahotsav was organized in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, from 3-4 March 2023
Uttar Pradesh Millets Revival Programme:
The Uttar Pradesh Millets Revival Programme ( UPMRP) was approved by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet in 2023. It promotes the production, processing, and consumption of millet in the state.
The following are key features of the Uttar Pradesh Millets Revival Programme ( UPMRP):
- The government has allotted 186.26 crore for the operation of the Uttar Pradesh Millets Revival Programme ( UPMRP) from 1 January 2023 to 2026-27.
- All 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh will participate in this program.
- The Department of Horticulture and Food Processing is the nodal department for the overall operation of the program.
- A mini-kit of Millet Seeds will be distributed to farmers for free for four years, starting in 2023. The beneficiary will be chosen among registered farmers in the agriculture department portal or who are recipients of Kisan Samman Nidhi. Special preference will be given to Women and SC/ST farmers.
- The government will finance Processing, packing, and marketing facilities.
- The government will spread awareness to people to use the millets in their daily lives.
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