Haryana

• 29 Jul 2022

Millet as a 'Nutri-Serial'

Why In News?

• In the meeting of the State Food Security Mission Executive Committee held on July 28, 2022 under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal, it was informed that in the year 2023, the Haryana government will publicise millet as 'Nutri-Seriyal' under the National Food Security Mission.

Key Points

• Significantly, the United Nations has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Nutri-serial with the efforts of the Government of India.
• Bajra is grown in about 10 to 12 lakh acres in Haryana and the production is also up to about 8 quintals per acre.
• In the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the officials of HAFED to make efforts to get contract farming done directly from the companies to increase the export of Basmati rice.
• It was also informed in the meeting that HAFED along with The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Arab countries is already exporting basmati rice.
• The Chief Secretary directed the officials to motivate the farmers more and more to promote the contract farming of barley in the state. Apart from this, a quick campaign should also be launched to protect the cotton crop from the possible 'pink warm' outbreak.
• In the meeting, it was informed about the State Food Security Mission that the Government of India had started it from Rabi 2007-08 under the National Food Security Mission. Under this, the production of pulses and oilseeds was to be promoted. In the year 2018-19, edible oil and palm oil have also been included in this.
• During the year 2021-22, the Central Government had sanctioned an action plan of Rs.4013.86 lakh for this Mission, under which subsidy is given to farmers for certified seeds, cluster demonstration fields, micronutrients, agricultural machinery, integrated pest management and crop and soil safety management.