Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has made a significant announcement regarding the support price increase for the procurement of ‘kodo’ and ‘kutki’ millets, just ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls in the state. This move is expected to positively impact farmers in the tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, where these millets have a long-standing tradition of cultivation.
Until now, the state government had been procuring these two millets at the support prices established in the previous year. Chief Minister Baghel revealed the decision to raise the support prices during a function held at his official residence, where funds were disbursed to the Godhan Nyay Yojna beneficiaries, a scheme focused on cow dung and urine procurement.
Despite numerous appeals to the Central government, there had been no announcement regarding the support prices for kodo and kutki millets. The state government has taken the initiative to increase the support price to incentivise millet production and support local farmers. Specifically, the support price for kodo millet has been raised from Rs 3,000 per quintal (for the year 2022-23) to Rs 3,200 per quintal, while for kutki millet, it has been elevated from Rs 3,100 per quintal (for the year 2022-23) to Rs 3,500 per quintal, as stated by Chief Minister Baghel.
Furthermore, in a cabinet meeting presided over by Baghel, a decision was made to establish a ‘Mahua Board’ to promote the collection, value addition, processing, and utilization of the Mahua tree’s resources. Mahua trees are abundantly found in Chhattisgarh and are known for their edible flowers with medicinal properties and their seeds, which serve as a source of healthy fats.