Agaratala : Tripura, the small hilly state in Northeast India, is making significant strides in millet production, aligning with the national push for this nutritious grain. India, already the leading producer of millets globally, has seen a surge in millet cultivation efforts, bolstered by the proactive encouragement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Modi has championed the cultivation of millets in various forums, urging farmers across the country to embrace this resilient and nutritious crop. Responding to this call, farmers nationwide have increasingly turned to millet cultivation, recognising its benefits both for health and agriculture.

In Tripura, this shift has been particularly noteworthy. The state government, along with central government support, has implemented various projects to promote millet farming. These initiatives have engaged farmers from diverse regions of the state, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to cultivate millets effectively.

Government officers in Tripura have played a pivotal role in this agricultural transformation. They have offered extensive support, guidance, and motivation to farmers, ensuring they have the best possible resources and training. This hands-on assistance has enabled many farmers to successfully transition to millet cultivation, experiencing firsthand the benefits of this sustainable and nutritious grain.

The collective efforts of the government and the farmers have started to bear fruit. Fields of millet are now a common sight in Tripura, marking a significant shift in the state’s agricultural landscape. Farmers have reported positive experiences with millet cultivation, noting its resilience to challenging weather conditions and its suitability for the hilly terrain of the region.

As the popularity of millets continues to grow, both domestically and internationally, Tripura stands out as a model of successful implementation and government-farmer collaboration. The state’s achievements in millet production not only contribute to India’s position as a global leader in millet cultivation but also highlight the potential for other regions to follow suit.

With ongoing support and continued focus on sustainable farming practices, Tripura’s farmers are well-positioned to thrive in the millet market, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for themselves and their communities.

Mahender Rajbhar, a millet farmer, said, “This is the first time I am cultivating the millets on my land. Earlier, my grandfathers used to eat a lot of millet. Now, with the help of the Tripura government, I am able to grow millets in my fields. I have done this for the first time.

The agriculture department has explained that the consumption of millet gives us various nutrients. The government has provided me with Rs 4000 and other necessary facilities to grow the crop.”

Raju Rabidas (Agriculture Superintendent, Bamutia) said, “PM Narendra Modi has introduced millets as Shri Anna, which gives a vast knowledge and experience for all the Indians. Along with the governmental agriculture schemes, we also provide many other facilities, which give the farmer the dedication to grow the crop.

At the field level, we went to various schools to share the benefits of millets. From the government side, farmers are getting Rs 10,000, and along with this, under Atma schemes, we are providing them with more Rs 4000, which helps the farmers a lot.”

Samar Sarkar, a farmer, said that he has been cultivating millets for the last 1 to 2 years. “This is the second time I am growing these crops. There are many crops in millet groups. I am also growing 3 types of millets. The government is very helpful. We are getting seeds, fertilisers, and all other necessary facilities from the government to grow our crops.”.

Dr. Uttam Saha (Joint Director, Agriculture Research & Farmer Welfare) said that millet cultivation is actually the initiative of the Government of India.

“Our PM Narendra Modi has taken the initiative to boost the cultivation of millets. Here, the Agriculture and Research Institute, under the guidance of the Tripura Government, is boosting millet cultivation.”

“Because they (farmers) now knew about the nutritional value of the millets. It’s a miracle crop. Millet can be grown in any weather condition, and it’s gluten- and cholesterol-free. For children and diabetic patients, millet is the only crop. So considering everything, the department is taking the initiative to increase the quantity and quality of millets growing,” Saha added.