Mandla, Aug 14 (NationPress) In a significant advancement for tribal agriculture, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared that the Madhya Pradesh government will initiate the procurement of Kodo (ditch millet) and Kutki (little millet) at Minimum Support Price (MSP) starting this season.

This announcement was made during a state-level event in Mandla to celebrate Lord Balram Jayanti, where the Chief Minister also facilitated the transfer of Rs 1,671 crore to 83 lakh farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Kodo and Kutki are traditional millets widely grown in tribal areas such as Mandla, Dindori, and Balaghat. These coarse grains are recognized for their adaptability to dry conditions and their exceptional nutritional benefits.

Previously, farmers cultivating these millets lacked assured procurement, making them susceptible to market volatility.

In response to this persistent demand, the Chief Minister had earlier appealed to the Union government to align the MSP with that of Ragi, another type of millet.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved this request, establishing the MSP for Kodo and Kutki at Rs 4,290 per quintal.

This procurement initiative is anticipated to benefit numerous tribal farmers, fostering millet cultivation under the national 'Shri Anna' program, which advocates for indigenous grains to enhance food security and climate resilience.

CM Yadav further highlighted Madhya Pradesh's pioneering role in irrigation reforms, referencing the success of pressurized pipe systems under the 'More Crop, Per Drop' initiative.

He contrasted this with the previous Congress administration, asserting that they managed to irrigate only 7 lakh hectares, while the BJP-led government has successfully brought 44 lakh hectares under irrigation, including an addition of 7 lakh hectares in just the last few months.

The dual announcements - millet procurement and DBT transfer - represent a strategic shift towards inclusive, sustainable, and technology-driven agricultural growth in Madhya Pradesh.

Mandla, a culturally rich district in eastern Madhya Pradesh, is situated in the lush Narmada Valley.

Encircled on three sides by the sacred Narmada River and surrounded by the Satpura and Vindhya ranges, Mandla was historically the capital of the Gondwana Kingdom, retaining echoes of its royal past through structures like the Ramnagar Fort and ancient temples such as the Chausath Yogini Temple.

This region is also celebrated for its tribal culture, lively festivals, and proximity to Kanha National Park, one of India's premier tiger reserves.