Sangam City gets first millet processing centre in Chhata

Prayagraj: To boost millet production, the state govt is undertaking significant efforts to encourage farmers to take up cultivation and help them process the grain and sell value-added products, thereby increasing their income.MP Singh, in-charge of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (agricultural science centre) in Prayagraj, said that the division’s first millet processing centre, located at Chhata in Bahariya block, has been completed and will become operational in June.Singh said the centre will handle tasks ranging from dehusking and grinding millets to producing value-added products. The total cost of the building and equipment was Rs 95 lakh.Officials claimed that millets — once known in UP as ‘forgotten crops’ — are gaining a new identity as ‘superfoods’.Pawan Kumar Vishwakarma, deputy director (agriculture), told TOI that millets are currently being cultivated across 65,000 hectares in the district.This year, the govt has provided subsidies to millet-growing farmers in various phases, resulting in an increase of 1,400 hectares in the cultivation area.

More than 27,000 small and marginal farmers in the district are engaged in millet production. So far, 27 procurement centres have been established where farmers can sell their produce.However, farmers do not see increased profits unless they sell their produce in the form of value-added products such as biscuits and cookies.According to officials, participation of rural women will be ensured in the production of millet-based value-added products at this processing centre.