Daijiworld Media Network – Motihari

Motihari, Apr 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets has sparked a major agricultural shift across India and farmers in Bihar’s East Champaran district are reaping the benefits.

Encouraged by the central government's initiative, a growing number of farmers in Motihari have embraced millet cultivation, resulting in better yields, improved health awareness, and a substantial rise in incomes.

District Agricultural officer Manish Kumar Singh said that approximately 1,027 hectares in the district are now under millet cultivation, with popular varieties including sawa, kodo, kangni, ragi, madua, and maize.

“Millet farming has turned around the fortunes of many families. Farmers have reported that the earnings from millets have helped them fund their daughters' weddings, build houses, and significantly improve their standard of living,” Singh said.

Farmer Nayak Singh, who has been cultivating millets, shared that the shift has made a noticeable difference in both earnings and health. “In the old days, people consumed more millets and stayed healthier. With PM Modi reviving this practice, the market for millets is strong again. Even maize, which is a type of millet, is now a profitable crop,” he said.

He pointed out that a farmer growing maize today can finance major life expenses a possibility he claims was not feasible with wheat cultivation.

Echoing similar sentiments, Raju Sahu, another local farmer, noted a significant increase in yield. “Earlier, we would get just one quintal of wheat, but now, we’re harvesting up to three quintals of maize from the same field. Millet farming was on the decline, but thanks to PM Modi’s campaign, it’s gaining momentum again.”

With rising market demand and government support, Motihari's millet farmers are now looking forward to a sustainable and prosperous future one that also contributes to a healthier India.