Page 63 - Mann Ki Baat English

such as irrigation and pesticides, trains officials and farmer
they help farmers maintain groups, strengthening the millet
higher net margins while opening value chain—from production
up value added and export and processing to value addition,
opportunities as global demand to start-up incubation, and
for superfoods. support to Farmer Producer
Policy can bridge the Organisations (FPOs).
remaining gaps by moving from The increase in Minimum
a production centric to a nutrition Support Price (MSP) in millets,
sensitive agricultural model. averaging 29–48 per cent over
Integrating millets into school the last six years from 2020-
Mid-day Meals and the Public 21 to 2025-26, also provides
Distribution System (PDS) can protection against price volatility
directly influence dietary diversity and signal policy commitment
among the young population. to diversification. Through
Support for bio-fortified varieties convergence with major
and incentives for nutrient-dense agriculture schemes such as PM-
crops ensure that preventive KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima
healthcare begins on the farm, Yojana, Agriculture Infrastructure
easing the long-term burden of Funds, e-NAM, and the Soil Health
lifestyle diseases. Card programme, farmers now
In 2024–25, India produced enjoy better financial security,
around 185.92 lakh tonnes of inputs, and market linkages.
millets, while productivity rose Millets and millet products
from 1322 kg/ha in 2020–21 to are recognised under ‘One
1424 kg/ha in 2024-25, reflecting District One Product (ODOP)’
sustained investment in research, in 21 districts across 10 States,
seed systems, and improved emphasising local value chains
package of practices. A Sub- and brand development. With
Mission on Nutri-Cereals under several millet start-ups and FPOs,
NFSNM, is being implemented in the alignment between what
28 States and 2 Union Territories our farmers grow and what our
to increase production and citizens eat is steadily deepening.
productivity of millets (Shree The journey of millets in
Anna) in the country. Research India is, ultimately, a story of
led by ICAR and State Agricultural confidence; in our farmers,
Universities is delivering high our food traditions, and in our
yielding, pest tolerant, and bio- capacity to shape sustainable
fortified varieties, supported futures through policy and
by ICAR seed hubs. The ICAR– people’s participation. Shree
NARS system promotes Good Anna represents an authentically
Agricultural Practices (GAP), Indian pathway to health,
produces breeder seed, and resilience, and shared prosperity.

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