The Rajasthan government has decided to distribute free seeds of millets and coarse grains to the state’s farmers. This move aims to boost millet production in the state.
Seeds to be Distributed
The State government will provide free mini kits of various seeds to farmers:
- Maize seeds to 1.2 million farmers
- Pearl millet (bajra) seeds to 800,000 farmers
- Mustard seeds to 700,000 farmers
- Moong seeds to 400,000 farmers
- Sorghum (jowar) and moth seeds to 100,000 farmers
Rajasthan’s Millet Production
- Rajasthan has a 26% share in the total millet production of the country.
- The main millet crops produced in the state are pearl millet and sorghum.
- Rajasthan accounts for 41% of the country’s pearl millet (bajra) production.
Rajasthan Millet Promotion Mission
- The state government started the Rajasthan Millet Promotion Mission in 2022-23.
- A provision of Rs 40 crore was made to set up 100 primary processing units by farmers, entrepreneurs, and voluntary organisations.
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and MSP Increase
- The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi has been increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 per year per farmer.
- The minimum support price for wheat has been increased to Rs 2,400 per quintal by giving an additional bonus of Rs 125 per quintal.
Rajasthan Millets Promotion Mission – Key Points
- Announced in 2022 by the Rajasthan government.
- Aims to establish a Millets Centre of Excellence under Jodhpur Agricultural University.
- Provide free seeds of advanced varieties, distribution of micronutrients and bio-insecticide kits at a subsidized rate.
- Grant for establishing the first 100 processing units of millets.
- Promotion for the modification of pearl millet (Bajra) and other millets.
- Encouragement and latest technical information to small and marginal farmers.
- Includes millets like Ragi, Kangni, Sawan, Cheena, Kodo, and Kutki.
- Public awareness programs on the nutritional quality of millets.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
- Launched on February 24, 2019.
- A Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
- Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- The Centre transfers Rs 6,000 per year, in three equal installments, directly into the bank accounts of all landholding farmers, irrespective of their land holdings.
The Rajasthan government’s initiative to distribute free millet seeds aims to promote millet cultivation, enhance nutritional security, and support the state’s farmers.