As part of its continued efforts to promote Shri Anna (millets) cultivation and support farmers, the Uttar Pradesh government has procured 28,631 metric tonnes of jowar, surpassing the target of 20,000 metric tonnes, in the ongoing Kharif season, an official statement said.

So far, the government has purchased 73,246 metric tonnes of millet from 13,617 farmers, and 29,773 metric tonnes of jowar from 6,335 farmers.

Shree Anna procurement will continue until December 31, 2024, ensuring farmers get fair prices for their produce, the statement added.

The government has also transferred Rs 200 crore to the registered millet growers’ accounts through the transparent Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The payments are being processed within 48 hours of procurement, ensuring quick financial relief to farmers, the statement said.

Notably, the state government is prioritising Shri Anna to enhance public health and increase farmers’ income.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state is actively promoting the cultivation of Shri Anna varieties such as millet, jowar, and maize, according to the statement.

It is worth mentioning here that the government is procuring coarse grains and paddy at the minimum support price (MSP). The MSP for millet is Rs 2,625 per quintal, while jowar (hybrid) and jowar (maldandi) are priced at Rs 3,371 and Rs 3,421 per quintal, respectively. Maize is being procured at Rs 2,225 per quintal.

Meanwhile, the state has also purchased over 23 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 3,27,915 farmers to date. The government is ensuring fair prices for farmers by purchasing paddy and coarse grains at the prescribed MSP for the Kharif marketing year 2024-25.

To facilitate this, the state has established 306 purchase centres for millets and 79 centres for jowar across identified districts, making it easier for farmers to sell their produce at guaranteed rates.

These centres are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Farmers visiting these centres benefit from proper arrangements, including seating, drinking water, shade, and facilities for drying crops, the statement said.

This initiative not only supports farmers financially but also promotes the cultivation of nutritious coarse grains like millet and jowar, aligning with the government’s focus on agriculture and public health, the statement added.

The government has set ambitious procurement targets of 220,000 tonnes of millet, 15,000 tonnes of maize, and 20,000 tonnes of jowar, with purchases continuing until 31 December 2024. This initiative ensures fair prices for farmers while boosting the production of nutrient-rich crops, according to the statement.