India is embarking on a bold initiative to transform its agricultural landscape, aiming to position itself as a Global Nutrition Hub. Central to this ambitious plan is the promotion of millets as a superfood, alongside efforts to boost the production of pulses and edible oils. The goal is not only to meet domestic nutritional needs but also to establish India as a key player in the global nutrition market, empowering farmers and making agriculture a more lucrative profession.
At the core of this initiative is the “Sree Anna” program, aimed at supporting over 2 crore small and marginal farmers in millet production. Millets, known for their nutrient-rich properties, are set to receive global recognition as India leverages its status as a major producer of these grains.
India’s diverse array of millets, including Sorghum, Pearl Millet, and Finger Millet, collectively known as nutri-cereals, will play a pivotal role in meeting both domestic and international nutritional demands.
In addition to promoting millets, the plan emphasizes achieving self-reliance in pulses and edible oils production, reducing dependence on imports. Pulses like tur, urad, masoor, moong, and chana, along with edible oils such as mustard, soybean, sesame, and groundnut, are earmarked for increased production.
The initiative focuses on empowering farmers through various initiatives, including soil health cards, micro-irrigation, crop insurance, and direct financial assistance schemes like the PM Kisan Samman Yojana. Measures such as increasing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and strengthening crop insurance schemes underline India’s commitment to ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce.
Additionally, plans are underway to establish new clusters for vegetable production and storage, with a focus on essentials like onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, to enhance food security and promote the cultivation of nutritious vegetables nationwide.
The National Mission on Natural Farming supports these efforts by promoting eco-friendly and climate-resilient agricultural practices. By incentivizing crop diversification and sustainable farming methods, India aims to make agriculture more remunerative and resilient to environmental challenges.
As India pursues its goal of becoming a Global Nutrition Hub, the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture underscores its vision for a healthier and more prosperous future.
Source – khalsavox.com
