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NEW DELHI: J&K BJP President and MP (Rajya Sabha), Sat Sharma, forcefully raised the issue of millet promotion in Jammu & Kashmir in the Rajya Sabha at New Delhi, underscoring the transformative vision of the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make millets (Shree Anna) a cornerstone of nutritional security, farmer prosperity, and environmental sustainability.
Highlighting the Modi government’s strong commitment towards reviving traditional, climate-resilient crops, Sat Sharma stated that millets are being actively promoted across the country as a “smart food” that benefits health, strengthens farmers’ incomes, and conserves natural resources. He emphasized that this forward-looking policy push is aligned with the broader goal of sustainable agriculture and reducing dependence on water-intensive crops like paddy.
Referring to the implementation of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), the concerned Minister informed the House that states have been significantly supported under well-structured Annual Action Plans. He pointed out that substantial funds have been sanctioned for crop diversification initiatives, and the states have witnessed concrete outcomes through the release of 110 millet varieties and distribution of hundreds of quintals of high-yielding, climate-resilient, and bio-fortified seeds.
Drawing a clear comparison, Sat Sharma sought accountability and clarity regarding Jammu & Kashmir. He questioned the concerned ministry on the quantum of financial allocation sanctioned under similar Annual Action Plans for J&K and asked what concrete, targeted interventions have been undertaken in the Union Territory to promote millet cultivation, processing, and consumption. He also specifically questioned whether the J&K government has taken proactive steps to leverage central schemes for the benefit of local farmers.
The concerned minister informed that the central government stands fully committed to promoting millets and other biodiversity crops in both states and Union Territories, and is ready to extend liberal financial and technical assistance. However, he emphasized that active participation, initiative, and proposal submission from the respective state or Union Territory governments are essential to fully avail these benefits.
While appreciating the Modi government’s national-level initiatives such as the Crop Diversification Programme under Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing, and the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Programme, Sat Sharma stressed that the real test lies in ensuring their effective and equitable implementation in regions like Jammu & Kashmir.
Sat Sharma asserted that while the Union Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ready to provide all necessary financial backing, policy support, and technical guidance, it is imperative for the J&K government to take timely initiative, prepare targeted action plans, and actively engage with central schemes to unlock the full potential of millet cultivation in the region. He emphasized that J&K possesses immense untapped potential due to its diverse agro-climatic conditions, and with proactive governance at the local level, millets can become a key driver of rural prosperity and sustainable development.
