Lessons on millets are set to reach government-run primary (Classes 1 to 5), upper primary (Classes 6 to 8) and composite (Classes 1 to 8) schools in Pratapgarh after Independence Day. In a bid to combat malnutrition, as many as 450 teachers have been trained under the School Curriculum Programme to create awareness among students and their parents about the nutritional and agricultural importance of ‘Shree Anna’ (millets).
The training programme, organised by the agriculture department at block-level BRC centres from August 12 to 14, covered 50 teachers from each block in the district. The initiative seeks to use the trained teachers as a link between schools, families and farmers to promote both the production and consumption of millets.
Pratapgarh deputy director of agriculture Ashwini Kumar Singh said experts briefed the teachers about different millet crops, products made from them and their nutritional and health benefits. The teachers have been asked to incorporate the information into their interactions with students and parents and encourage them to include millet-based food in their diets.
“Teachers who have undergone the training will make students and their parents aware of the importance and uses of millets. They will also encourage farmers in their areas to take up millet cultivation,” Singh said.
He said millets were not only rich in nutrients but could also prove beneficial for farmers. Pratapgarh’s geographical conditions are considered suitable for millet cultivation, and the area under these crops has been expanding, with farmers receiving assistance at different stages.
{{/usCountry}}He said millets were not only rich in nutrients but could also prove beneficial for farmers. Pratapgarh’s geographical conditions are considered suitable for millet cultivation, and the area under these crops has been expanding, with farmers receiving assistance at different stages.
{{/usCountry}}According to the agriculture department, millets are currently cultivated on 456 hectares in the district, with annual production estimated at 2,265 quintals. Small and marginal farmers constitute a significant share of those engaged in millet cultivation.
The promotion of millets is also gaining momentum with the emergence of processing facilities in the region. Officials said a millet processing centre established in Baharia block of Prayagraj at a cost of ₹95 lakh has enabled farmers to market value-added products such as biscuits and cookies, helping them derive better returns from their produce.