UP ‘Shri Anna’ farmer show strong preference for govt procurement over open market sales

The successful completion of the 'Shri Anna' (millets) procurement drive in Uttar Pradesh, beginning October 1, marks a significant milestone in India's agricultural policy and farmer welfare initiatives. This event highlights a strong farmer preference for government procurement channels over open market sales, underscoring the effectiveness of state intervention in supporting the cultivation of nutri-cereals. A total of 2.13 lakh metric tonnes of millet, 43,562 metric tonnes of sorghum, and 12,208 metric tonnes of maize were procured, spanning 33 districts for millets, 25 for maize, and 11 for sorghum.

**Background Context: The Millet Revival**

Historically, millets – often referred to as 'coarse grains' – were staple foods in India. However, the Green Revolution in the 1960s and 70s heavily focused on high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, leading to a decline in millet cultivation and consumption. Farmers shifted to these subsidized crops, which also benefited from robust procurement systems. In recent years, there has been a global and national resurgence of interest in millets due to their exceptional nutritional value (rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals), climate resilience (requiring less water and thriving in arid conditions), and health benefits (low glycemic index). Recognizing this, the United Nations declared 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets' (IYOM), largely at India's initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who rebranded them as 'Shri Anna' (the supreme grain) to elevate their status.

**What Happened in Uttar Pradesh**

Uttar Pradesh's procurement drive is a tangible outcome of this national push. By offering Minimum Support Price (MSP) for millets, sorghum, and maize, the state government provided an assured market and remunerative prices to farmers. The strong preference shown by farmers for government procurement indicates that the MSP offered was competitive, or at least provided better price certainty and reduced transactional costs compared to the open market, where prices can be volatile and exploitative practices by middlemen are common. This assured procurement mechanism de-risks millet cultivation, encouraging farmers to diversify their crops and move away from the traditional wheat-paddy cycle, which often leads to water depletion and soil degradation.

**Key Stakeholders Involved**

Several key stakeholders play crucial roles in such initiatives. **Farmers** are the primary beneficiaries, gaining income security and an incentive to cultivate nutri-cereals. The **Uttar Pradesh Government**, through its various agricultural departments and procurement agencies, acts as the implementing authority, setting up procurement centers, ensuring fair weighing, and timely payments. The **Central Government** provides the policy framework, sets national MSPs (based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices - CACP), and supports state efforts through schemes like the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and its Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals (SMNC). **Consumers**, particularly those reliant on public distribution systems (PDS), stand to benefit from the potential inclusion of millets in their food basket, improving nutritional outcomes. Finally, **agricultural scientists and researchers** contribute by developing better yielding varieties and sustainable farming practices.

**Significance for India**

This successful procurement holds multi-faceted significance for India. Firstly, it directly contributes to **farmer welfare** by ensuring a stable income and reducing market risks, aligning with the government's goal of doubling farmer incomes. Secondly, it strengthens **food and nutritional security**. Millets are crucial in combating malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations. Integrating them into the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other welfare schemes like PM-POSHAN (earlier Mid-Day Meal Scheme) can significantly improve the dietary diversity and nutritional intake of millions. Thirdly, it promotes **climate-smart agriculture**. Millets are less water-intensive and more resilient to adverse climatic conditions, making them ideal crops in the face of climate change and dwindling water resources. This also encourages **agricultural diversification**, reducing reliance on water-guzzling crops like rice and sugarcane, particularly in states facing groundwater depletion. Economically, it can boost **rural economies** by creating value chains around millet processing and consumption.

**Constitutional and Policy References**

Agriculture falls under the **State List (List II) of the Seventh Schedule** of the Indian Constitution, as per **Article 246**, granting states primary responsibility for agricultural development and policies. However, the Central government plays a significant role in policy formulation, financial assistance, and setting national standards like MSP. The promotion of nutri-cereals aligns with the **Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)**, particularly **Article 47**, which mandates the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and improve public health. The **National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013**, aims to provide food and nutritional security, and while primarily focused on rice and wheat, it has provisions for diversifying the food basket, making millets a suitable candidate for inclusion. Schemes like the **National Food Security Mission (NFSM)** and its dedicated **Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals (SMNC)** are central government initiatives specifically designed to promote millet cultivation and consumption. The MSP mechanism, though not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, is a crucial policy tool implemented under the **Essential Commodities Act, 1955**, and other relevant agricultural laws to protect farmers from price fluctuations.

**Future Implications**

The success in Uttar Pradesh could serve as a blueprint for other states to scale up their millet procurement efforts. Future implications include the potential for increased integration of millets into government schemes, a wider consumer base, and greater private sector investment in millet processing and value-added products. However, challenges remain, such as developing robust storage and processing infrastructure, increasing consumer awareness and demand, and ensuring the sustainability of MSP for millets. Continued policy support, research into improved varieties, and market linkages will be critical for solidifying millets' position as a staple food and a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture in India. This initiative represents a progressive step towards a healthier, more sustainable, and economically equitable agricultural future for India, aligning with both national development goals and global sustainability agendas.