Collector calls for promotion of millets to boost health, farmers’ income

District Collector Rajakumari Ganiya observed that millets enjoy a special place in a healthy diet, and their promotion should remain essential for both public health and farmers’ incomes.Speaking as chief guest at the District-Level Millets Mela, organised by the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission here on Thursday, the Collector said millets were traditional, nutrient-rich crops and their consumption should be promoted at a time when people are increasingly conscious about health and nutrition.Ms. Rajakumari said that presently paddy was cultivated on about 70,000 hectares and jowar, maize, and other crops on another 70,000 hectares during kharif across Nandyal district. Highlighting the importance of crop diversification, the Collector called for gradually reducing paddy area and promoting millets, pulses and oilseeds. “For the first time, oil palm is being promoted in the district along with groundnut and sesame under the Centre’s oilseed mission,” she said.The Collector said that special initiatives through Anganwadi centres in the last two years helped reduce malnutrition and anaemia among children and pregnant women, proving that millet-based foods played a pivotal role in creating a healthy society.Referring to the marketing facilities for the millets, the Collector said value addition through quality processing, attractive packaging and branding could enhance market value. The district administration would extend support for permissions and linkages to millets at the State and international markets. “A subsidy of 35% is available for food processing units, while 48 units have been grounded in the last three months,” Ms. Rajakumari said. Published - September 24, 2026 07:08 pm IST