JD Agriculture discusses enhancement in Production & Procurement of Millets

JAMMU : Joint Director Agriculture (Inputs) Jammu, A. S. Reen today chaired a meeting to discuss the enhancement of Production of Millets and its procurement in J&K at Krishi Bhawan, Jammu.

Joint Director (Inputs) said that Millet production is one of the focus areas of the Government as year 2023 has already been announced as International year of Millets. Millets are often referred to as Superfood (Nutri cereals) and nutritionally superior to wheat & rice owing to their high protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals like iron content besides being Climate Resilient and drought-resistant.

He informed that department is already on job to promote millet cultivation in Jammu region by providing seed to the farmers on trial basis as quality seed is the foundation of increasing millet production. The millets like jowar, bajra, ragi & kodo can be successfully cultivated in J&K, he said.

FCI official informed that conceptual plan for procurement has been finalized for further submission to government. Issues like ways and means to increase the millet production through creating awareness and FPO formation were also discussed with the farmers on the occasion.

It was concluded that Department of Agriculture will ensure provision of quality seeds and extension of technology where as Food Corporation of India (FCI) will look into procurement part of Millets. Further distribution to consumer will be ensured by FCS & CA.

Joint Director (Marketing), Mahesh Verma, Additional Secretary, FCS & CA, Jugal Kishore, Manager (RO), FCI, Rakesh Kumar, Manager (QC), Mohd Imran, Technical officer (Marketing), Sanjev Khajuria besides number of progressive farmers were also present in the meeting.