-Down to Earth The initiative will be launched in nine districts in a phased manner over a period of five years * This is the first of its kind as no state in India has ever millets into public distribution system, mid-day meal scheme and the Integrated Child Development Services together. * In PDS, ragi will be handed over to beneficiaries based on availability and preference initially in the tribal areas In order...

-Livemint.com Linking MSPs to a multiple of costs and ignoring other dynamics, such as demand and global prices, risks creating distortions and disincentivizing productivity Government policymaking seems to be making a volte-face from supporting consumers (by keeping food inflation low), to supporting producers (by raising food prices). In the 2018-19 Union budget, the government “decided to keep minimum support prices (MSP) for all unannounced crops of kharif at least at one-and-a-half times of...

-The Indian Express Tomatoes from Kolar are even exported to countries like Dubai and Bangladesh. Kolar (Karnataka): He has grown tomatoes on just 10 gunthas or 0.25 acres, but hopes to net at least Rs 1.5 lakh from selling the fruits during the coming summer months. “I am confident about my yields, which should be roughly 12 tonnes. My production cost would work to Rs 75,000. If I get Rs 19-20/kg, my profit...

-The New Indian Express NUAPADA: The State Government has decided to introduce traditional small millets to feed children at anganwadi centres in the district shortly. This will replace the ‘Sattu’, a mixture of Bengal gram flour, wheat and other cereals, being served to the children and which has run into controversy after insect and foreign bodies were found in the old stock of the food.A preparatory meeting, chaired  by Zilla Parishad...

-Down to Earth India requires policy changes to make millets an effective tool against malnutrition Nutrient-rich millets, which have been a crucial part of human diet since ancient times, have lost their importance due to globally commercialised agronomic practices to produce more foodgrains. Though awareness has been growing among the public in the recent years about the health benefits of a millet-based diet—high fibre, low carbohydrate, protein-rich and gluten-free—gaps persist on several...