U’khand adopts new method to grow barnyard millet

Dehradun: Uttarakhand has introduced a new farming method for barnyard millet that aims to increase yields while reducing cultivation costs, with the programme launched in Uttarkashi district for the ongoing Kharif season last week, agriculture department officials said.Known as the System of Millet Intensification (SMI), the method uses fewer seeds unlike traditional methods. Seedlings are raised in nurseries for 15 to 21 days before being transplanted at a spacing of 10x12 inches, officials said. The method requires around 150 grams of seed per acre.Uttarakhand is the country’s largest producer of barnyard millet, with an annual output of around 40,200 metric tonnes from 28,250 hectares, claimed agriculture officials.Agriculture director Dinesh Kumar said, “The technique can potentially increase millet yields two to three times per acre while lowering cultivation costs.” It also prioritises the use of farmyard manure instead of chemical fertilisers and mechanical weeders to improve soil aeration, root growth and drought resistance.Kumar said the state govt is also planning to introduce barnyard millet-based recipes in school meals to help tackle childhood anaemia.Shweta Bandhani, a farmer known as the “Millet Woman of Uttarakhand”, said the crop is rich in dietary fibre, protein and antioxidants and is linked to better blood sugar control, digestive health and a lower risk of obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol.Unlike finger millet and several other millet varieties, barnyard millet does not have a Minimum Support Price (MSP). Kumar said the agriculture department is in talks with the finance department to bring the crop under MSP of at least Rs 52.5/quintals, which would provide farmers with price support and encourage wider cultivation.