Bijnor: The area under millets cultivation in the district of Bijnor, is set to be increased. The local agriculture department will encourage farmers to sow millets as an intercrop with sugarcane using the trench method, reported Amar Ujala.
Millets are considered to be highly beneficial for human and soil health. Intercropping will also help farmers increase their income by getting more yield at a lower cost.
Millets cultivation, which was gradually disappearing from the region, is being revived. Last year, the area under millet cultivation in the district was 300 hectares. This year, the department is aiming to increase it to 500 hectares.
Millets such as jowar, bajra, ragi, kodo, and Sanwa will be sown as an intercrop with sugarcane during the said season.
Harjan Singh, the specialist in this sector, said that farmers will be encouraged to intercrop millets with sugarcane to increase the area under millet cultivation. FPOs will be involved in providing farmers with new farming techniques and a platform to sell their produce in the market. Farmers will also be encouraged to adopt organic and natural farming methods and will be informed about the benefits of millets.
Dr. K. K. Singh, the agricultural scientist, said that the farmers are being provided with the latest information on millet cultivation through seminars and meetings. Millets are being described as a highly nutritious and health-beneficial food. Farmers are also being told about the profitable ways of millet cultivation.
“Farmers should sow millet crops in their fields during the zaid and kharif seasons. Millets are good for human and soil health. Farmers are being made aware of millets. The climate of the district is suitable for sowing millet crops like jowar, bajra, ragi, kodo, and Sanwa,” said Girish Chand, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Bijnor.
