Uttarakhand Promotes Millet Mission, Government Purchases 3,100 Metric Tons of Mandua from Farmers
In Dehradun, both the central and Uttarakhand governments are now actively promoting millet crops, leading to an increase in both the production and cultivation of Mandua in the state. The Dhami government has purchased over 3,100 metric tons of Mandua from farmers this year through various cooperatives and farmer associations. Additionally, the government has set a support price of ₹4,200 per quintal for Mandua.
Traditionally, Mandua has been grown in Uttarakhand’s terraced fields. However, until a few years ago, this crop was often overlooked, causing farmers to lose interest in its production. To encourage Mandua farmers, the current state government began purchasing it at a minimum support price under the National Food Security Mission in 2022. They also included millet products in public distribution systems, mid-day meals, and nutrition programs at anganwadi centers to ensure consumers have access to these products. Furthermore, the government launched the State Millet Mission, which not only aims to increase production but also promotes the adoption of millet products through extensive awareness campaigns and a robust system for purchasing and storing these crops. Farmers are also receiving subsidies of up to 80% on seeds and fertilizers.
Purchase Through 270 Centers
Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam, the Secretary of Cooperation, mentioned that the government has set up collection centers across various locations to buy Mandua from remote farmers, with the help of multi-purpose primary agricultural cooperative societies and farmer producer organizations. The success of this initiative is evident, as the number of these centers has grown from 23 in 2020-21 to 270 by 2024-25. This year, through these centers, the government has purchased 3,100.17 metric tons of Mandua, providing farmers with a support price of ₹42.46 per kilogram. To assist in the purchase of Mandua, the government has also provided ₹150 per quintal to farmer associations and ₹50,000 per center to cooperative societies, ensuring that payments to these centers are made within 72 hours.
Support Price Increased by 68%
In the state, the support price for Mandua was ₹2,500 per quintal in 2021-22, which has now risen to ₹4,200 per quintal for 2024-25. This represents a 68% increase in just two years, benefiting farmers and expanding the Mandua production area. The government is also promoting Mandua products through the Open Market and House of Himalaya. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that Mandua is traditionally grown in Uttarakhand and is both nutritious and organic. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s push for millet products, the demand for Mandua has also increased. Therefore, the state government is focusing on directly purchasing Mandua from farmers to boost production, and positive results are already starting to show.
