UP Govt to Include Millets in Mid-Day Meal in Schools, Says Surya Pratap Shahi

Surya Pratap Shahi also stated that the administration was attempting to improve soil and human health. Shahi made the remarks while speaking at the Global Millets Shree Anna Conference in New Delhi.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the conference held at the Pusa Institute. "Uttar Pradesh is India's most populous state and the fourth largest in terms of area, and the state's land is appropriate and conducive to coarse grain growth," Shahi said.

"Now 12 lakh-hectare of land in U.P. is under coarse grains cultivation which produces 19 lakh metric tonnes of these grains. The state government is running the 'Shree Anna Punaruddhar Karyakram (Shree Anna rejuvenation programme)' with a proposed spending of 186 crore over the next four years with the PM's inspiration and under the leadership of U.P. chief minister Yogi Adityanath," he added.

He also briefed the audience about the different millet feasts organized throughout the state to promote millet. "In the coming days, Uttar Pradesh will include millets in the mid-day meal programme in schools and make it available to people through the public distribution system," the minister added.

"During the next Zaid season (summer season), the government will provide farmers with a 20 crore subsidy (on a 50% grant) for Jowar and Bajra seeds. The state's 89 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and five agriculture universities are conducting research and educating farmers about coarse grains. "The state government would also establish special procurement centres to buy coarse grains from farmers at MSP," Shahi added.

The United Nations General Assembly also recognized 2023 as the International Year of Millets on March 5, 2021, after approving India's request.