Lucknow— In a bold move to boost farmer income and nutritional security, the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to implement a comprehensive plan to promote nutri-cereal farming—also known as Shri Anna or coarse grains—across 47 districts of the state during the 2025–26 agricultural year.
The initiative, being rolled out under the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission, will target the cultivation of jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), kodo, and sawan (little millet) in mission mode. The scheme focuses on empowering small and marginal farmers by offering dual benefits: enhanced income and nutritionally rich crops for local consumption.
Key Crops and Coverage:
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Jowar cultivation will expand in 24 districts, including Ayodhya, Barabanki, Sultanpur, Amethi, Rae Bareli, Kanpur, and Mirzapur.
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Bajra farming will be promoted in 38 districts, such as Agra, Aligarh, Etawah, Budaun, Mathura, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
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Sawan will be grown in 12 districts, including Jalaun, Sonbhadra, Jaunpur, Varanasi, and Chitrakoot.
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Kodo millet will be introduced in 13 districts, including Hardoi, Chandauli, Bhadohi, Moradabad, and Hamirpur.
Officials say the program will transform agriculture in drought-prone and rainfed areas by promoting traditional, climate-resilient crops. These millets, known for their high nutritional value and low water requirement, are also expected to cater to growing demand from health-conscious consumers.
The government has already completed detailed planning for each district. With this initiative, UP is poised to become a leader in millet production, aligning with India’s larger goal of popularizing millets as the “grains of the future.”
The move not only supports the “Nutrition Security for All” agenda but also strengthens the vision of “Samriddh Kisan, Swasth Samaj” (Prosperous Farmers, Healthy Society).
