Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 6 Oct: The Uttarakhand Government has started procurement of Mandua (finger millet) at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 48.86 per kg through 211 cooperative societies. This decision will not only increase farmers’ income but will also provide people with nutritious and health-enhancing food.
State Cooperative Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat stated today that the Government is continuously making efforts to promote the Millet Mission. Under this mission, several initiatives have been taken to ensure that Mandua and other millets reach people’s plates while simultaneously doubling farmers’ income. As part of these efforts, the Government has fixed the MSP of Mandua at Rs 48.86 per kg and started direct procurement from farmers through 211 cooperative societies across the State.
Procurement centres have been established as follows: Almora – 43, Chamoli – 22, Bageshwar – 13, Uttarkashi – 13, Pauri – 17, Pithoragarh – 24, Champawat – 19, Tehri – 30, Rudraprayag – 10, Nainital – 17, and Dehradun – 3.
Dr Rawat recalled that, last year, 31,640 quintals of Mandua were procured from 10,000 farmers across the state at the rate of Rs 42.90 per kg. This year, the State Cooperative Federation has set a target of 50,000 quintals, which is nearly 19,000 quintals more than the previous year. He added, “Our aim is to enhance farmers’ income through nutritious crops like Mandua and take Uttarakhand’s products from local to global markets. Through the Cooperative Federation, we are branding millets and hill products to reach international markets. A roadmap and business plan have already been prepared for this.”
The Minister highlighted that the procurement price of Mandua has risen significantly—from Rs 18 per kg in earlier years to Rs 48.86 per kg now. This, he said, is not only a recognition of farmers’ hard work but also a strong medium for increasing their income.
Dr Rawat further stated that the demand for Uttarakhand’s organic millets is rapidly growing in other states as well as abroad, and in the coming years, the hill products of Uttarakhand will establish their distinct identity in international markets.
Managing Director of the State Cooperative Federation, Anand Shukla, added that procurement began on 1 October. Awareness campaigns are being carried out in rural areas through cooperative societies and social media. Farmers themselves are now coming forward and staying in touch through telephone for procurement. This year, procurement is being made at the rate of Rs 4,886 per quintal, along with an additional incentive of Rs 100 per quintal to the societies. If required, more procurement centres will be opened so that farmers can sell their produce at the nearest location.
He further mentioned that Mandua is a climate-resilient crop, easily grown in the hill regions, requiring less water, no chemical fertilisers, and maintaining soil fertility—making it completely organic and environmentally friendly. According to the World Health Organisation, Mandua is rich in calcium, iron, protein, and fibre. It is beneficial for diabetes and heart patients, and being gluten-free, its demand in urban markets is steadily increasing.
In the last two years, due to the efforts of cooperative societies and the State Cooperative Federation, Mandua cultivation has witnessed unprecedented growth. This not only contributes to doubling farmers’ income but also plays an important role in checking migration from the hill areas.
