Millets miss the mark in Kangra
Despite government efforts to promote millet cultivation across Himachal Pradesh, especially in Kangra district, farmers remain hesitant to adopt these once-sidelined but now highly nutritious crops. Millets, often dubbed “Smart Foods,” are known for their rich nutritional profile and climate-resilient nature. However, these benefits alone have not been enough to convince farmers in Kangra, the state’s largest agricultural district, to switch from conventional crops.
Investigations suggest that the primary reasons for this reluctance include limited awareness of millets’ benefits, the lure of high-return crops like seasonal vegetables, fruits, and cereals, and the lack of a reliable market for millet produce. Farmers continue to prefer cash crops with proven profitability and market access, which millets currently lack in the region.
Adding to the challenge is the reduced consumer demand and logistical issues in marketing millet produce. “There are no millet procurement centres or buyers in the local market, which makes it unfeasible to grow them at scale,” said Subhash, a progressive farmer from Nurpur Agriculture Block. Other farmers echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure that ensures both promotion and assured procurement.
Harjeet Singh, Assistant Technology Manager under the ATMA project in Kangra, who recently received specialised millet training from MANAGE, Hyderabad, maintains that millets could be game-changers for farmers. “Millets are nutrient-rich, require less water, and don’t depend heavily on fertilizers. They’re sustainable and can improve soil health,” he stated.
According to the State Agriculture Department, five millet varieties — Finger (Ragi), Barnyard (Sanwa), Foxtail (Kangni), Proso (Cheena), and Little (Kutki) — are grown in the state. The department has also integrated millets into organic and climate-resilient farming schemes. Additionally, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, is conducting farmer training, seed distribution, and field demonstrations to promote millet cultivation.
Still, Kangra lags behind other districts like Mandi, Shimla and Chamba, which have shown better uptake. With 16 agricultural blocks, Kangra holds significant potential, yet it remains underutilized due to systemic issues.
Progressive farmers insist that millet cultivation can only flourish if backed by strong marketing support and government procurement. Until then, millets may remain a missed opportunity in the district’s agriculture landscape.
