UP Govt Approves Scheme to Encourage Cultivation & Processing of Millets

According to the report, the UP cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, rejected the 'Uttar Pradesh Millets Revival Programme' (UPMRP). The UPMRP will be operational from 2022-23 (January 1, 2023) to 2026-27, at a cost of Rs 186.26 crore borne by the state government, according to the statement.

This programme will be implemented in each of the state's 75 districts. A mini-kit of millet seeds will be distributed free of charge to farmers for four years, beginning in 2023-24, according to the statement.

The farmers will be chosen from those who have registered on the agriculture department's website or who have benefited from the Centre's 'Kisan Samman Nidhi,' according to the announcement.

It stated that 25% of the beneficiaries will be SC/ST farmers, with women farmers receiving special consideration. To prepare millet products, processing, packing, and marketing centres will be established, as well as mobile outlets/stores.

The proposal to notify the Uttar Pradesh Food Processing Industry Policy-2022 was also approved by the UP cabinet. According to the statement, a decision has been made to implement the policy with the potential to develop the food processing sector, attract investment, create jobs, and increase the income of stakeholders.

After being notified, this policy will be implemented throughout the state for five years. The Department of Horticulture and Food Processing has been designated as the nodal department, with the Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing serving as the nodal agency, according to the announcement. The state cabinet also approved the Excise Policy for the fiscal year 2023-24.

According to the statement, the Excise Policy for 2023-24 is being promulgated with the goals of earning maximum revenue for adequate financing of major government projects and providing stability to the liquor business while making the policy appealing.

The cabinet also approved the free transfer of 8.345 hectares of land to the medical education department for the establishment of a medical college in Chitrakoot district through a public-private partnership, according to the statement.