In a move to promote millets and their consumption, the government of Chhattisgarh has recently announced that millet-based food products will be included in the mid-day meal scheme for school children.
As a part of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Yojana, the government will replace the previously served soya chikki with millet-based products in 12 districts of the state, four days a week. The announcement comes after the state Directorate of Public Instructions sent a proposal to the central government, which was approved. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed his gratitude to the central government for approving the proposal and making this possible for the school children.
This initiative is not only beneficial for the children but also encourages farmers to cultivate millets such as kudo, kutki, and ragi in Chhattisgarh. The government is providing input subsidies to millet-producing farmers in the state to further encourage cultivation. Farmers will receive an input subsidy of Rs 9,000, which is a positive step towards promoting millets and helping farmers to shift towards more sustainable and healthier food production.
It is noteworthy that the central government has also announced a series of millet-centric promotional activities across the country as part of the International Year of Millets, which is a global initiative to raise awareness about the health benefits of consuming millets.
This initiative aims to encourage people to incorporate millets into their daily diets and to promote their cultivation in the country. With the inclusion of millet-based products in the mid-day meal scheme, the government of Chhattisgarh is taking a significant step towards promoting healthy eating habits and making millets a part of people's everyday lives.
