According to reports, farmers in the Perambalur region used to grow Ragi, Kodo, Sorghum, and pearl millets two decades ago. Due to a lack of effective pricing and marketing for millets, they eventually turned to maize and cotton as cash crops.
Even while farmers originally profited, circumstances gradually changed and they began to suffer as a result of many issues such as the usage of pesticides and a lack of remunerative price.
Farmers began growing numerous varieties of millets in Ladhapuram, Perali, Adhanur, and Moongilbadi districts as millets gained popularity. When they were battling to receive a fair price, the government announced in the Budget that the Perambalur area will be included in the millet initiative.
Speaking with a media outlet, Perali farmer T Nallappan stated, "For the past six years, I've been growing millets. This initiative piqued my interest. Aadi has begun and the government has yet to make a declaration regarding the project.
We don't know if the government will make these seeds available through agriculture centers or direct purchase facilities. This month will witness the planting of pearl millet; however, the seed will not be accessible at agricultural centers.
When we buy it from private players, it is more expensive. The government should provide seeds and purchase our millet produce from PDS shops." J Ramakrishnan of Ladapuram, another farmer, stated, "The government should not just declare the end of this initiative. Subsidies should be announced to encourage farmers.
I've also been growing millet since last year. We don't need to rely on any seed or chemical companies to cultivate this. We can transition to organic farming. The government should publicize the project's operations as soon as possible.
Farmers will gain from increased millet yield. This would also help the government's attempts to promote organic farming."
S Karunanidhi, Joint Director of Perambalur Agriculture, stated, "In this millet project, the government has requested us to develop an action plan to boost district coverage, production, marketing, and value addition. Soon, a government decree will be issued."
