Parliament Question: Special cluster-based scheme to increase production of millets

O.I.H. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1608 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13/02/2026 SPECIAL CLUSTER-BASED SCHEME TO INCREASE PRODUCTION OF MILLETS 1608. SHRI SANJAY KUMAR JHA: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is working on a special cluster-based scheme to increase production of millets in the country; (b) whether the drought-affected districts of Bihar have been included in this programme on priority; and (c) if so, the details thereof and the present status of progress? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR) (a) to (c): The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is implementing a Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals (Shree Anna) under the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) to increase the production and productivity of millets (Shree Anna) in the country. Under NFSNM-Nutri Cereals (Shree Anna), assistance is being provided to the farmers, through the States/UTs, for demonstration on Crop production and protection technologies, for production and distribution of certified seeds, for Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management measures, for capacity building of farmers through cropping system-based trainings, etc.; and seed minikits of newly released varieties/hybrids, are also distributed through the states by agencies. Under NFSNM-Nutri Cereals (Shree Anna), demonstrations to display improved package of practices, cutting-edge technologies, or newly released and notified crop varieties or hybrids are being conducted using a cluster approach. Flexibility has been given to States / UTs to identify districts for implementation of different components of the Mission, subject to inter alia conditions that prioritize districts with low productivity but high potential.The Department of Agriculture, State Government of Bihar have informed that during the financial year 2025-26, in the low rainfall districts of the state, namely Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya Ji, Nawada, Jamui and Banka, an area of 6,102 hectares was brought under millet cultivation through the demonstration and seed distribution. In addition, the Department of Agriculture, State Government of Bihar has also reported that through the Centre of Excellence for Millet Value Chain of ICRISAT, crop diversification programmes are being implemented in eight drought-affected districts to encourage millet cultivation. The area, production and productivity of Nutri Cereals (Shree Anna) from 2021-22 to 2024- 25 in the country is given below: Area in Lakh Ha, Production in Lakh Tonnes & Yield in Kg/Ha Area Production Yield 2021- 2022- 2023- 2024- 2021- 2022- 2023- 2024- 2021- 2022- 2023- 2024- 22 23 24 25 22 23 24 25 22 23 24 25 122.89 126.98 131.45 130.56 160.00 173.21 175.72 185.92 1302 1364 1337 1424 Source: UPAg, DA&FW *****