As part of a larger agenda focused on sustainable agriculture and nutrition security, the Jharkhand government has unveiled a comprehensive initiative to promote millet cultivation and value addition. A unique aspect of the initiative is the establishment of Millet Cafeterias in Jharkhand, which is aimed at driving both nutritional awareness and market demand. This scheme also aims to empower women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and bolster the rural economy through minor millet commercialisation.
Jharkhandβs Agriculture Minister has launched an ambitious plan to boost minor millet production and popularize millet consumption by opening millet-themed cafeterias across the state. These cafeterias will feature over 40 millet-based food products, targeting both urban health-conscious consumers and rural communities.
The scheme includes:
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Collaboration with Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) for scientific training and technical support
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βΉ3000 per acre incentive to encourage millet cultivation
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Use of government infrastructure and community buildings for setting up cafeterias
This dual approach β increasing both supply and demand β is designed to make minor millets a mainstream food option in Jharkhand.
πΎ Why Minor Millets Matter
Millets are climate-resilient, nutrition-rich grains that are well-suited to the agro-climatic conditions of Jharkhand. The recent focus on Millet Cafeterias in Jharkhand aligns with the national push toward the International Year of Millets (IYoM) declared by the UN in 2023.
Benefits of millets include:
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Rich in iron, fiber, calcium, and essential micronutrients
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Require less water and are more drought-resistant than rice or wheat
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Play a key role in crop diversification and soil health
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Offer great potential for value-added products in local and global markets
The stateβs plan promotes not just cultivation but also processing, branding, and retail, helping establish a complete millet value chain.
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π©βπΎ Empowering Women and Rural Economy
A cornerstone of the plan is the inclusion of Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), who will receive training in millet food preparation, packaging, and marketing.
This initiative will:
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Provide employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for rural women
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Improve household nutrition and income
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Strengthen the farm-to-fork ecosystem through community engagement
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Build sustainable rural enterprises based on local resources and traditional knowledge
π§ Points to Remember
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πΎ Millet Cafeterias to promote over 40 millet-based food items across Jharkhand.
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π€ Tie-up with IIMR for technical support and millet promotion.
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πΈ Farmers to receive βΉ3000/acre incentive for growing millets.
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π©βπ³ Women SHGs to manage value addition and product development.
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π Promotes nutrition, livelihood, crop diversification, and sustainable development.
