Centre estimates 8-fold increase in millet procurement

Centre estimates 8-fold increase in millet procurement

Subject :  Governance

Concept :

• The Centre has estimated millet procurement in the country to increase from the current 6­7 lakh tonnes (lt) to 40­50 lt over the next few years.
• Nine States have launched separate missions with assured procurement and distribution of the nutri­cereals at subsidised rates.

Millets under NFSA 2013

• Currently, the Centre allows procurement of maize, jowar, bajra and ragi under coarse cereals, which was sold at ₹1/kg before the government recently declared free distribution of grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013.
• Centre is also considering the inclusion of minor millets ( local varieties ) grown in different states under its MSP Programme.
• At present, millets such as jowar, bajra and ragi are procured by nine States with a minimum support price (MSP) announced by the Centre. Minor millets are not procured at the moment.

Minor Millets

• Minor millets are high energy, nutritious foods comparable to other cereals and some of them are even better with regard to protein and mineral content.
• They are particularly low in phytic acid and rich in dietary fibre, iron, calcium and B vitamins. As the millets are consumed by the poor, they guard them against food and nutritional insecurity imposed by various agronomic, socio economic and political factors.
• Minor millets can thus act as a shield against nutritional deficiency disorders and provide nutritional security.
• Traditionally, finger, kodo and poroso millets are brewed by tribal in certain parts of India. Popping of finger millet is done on cottage industry level and the popped meal is marketed in polyethylene pouches.