In a significant shift, a large number of millet growers in Uttar Pradesh opted to sell their harvest to government procurement centres instead of private traders during the 2025-26 kharif marketing season. Officials attribute this trend to the flexible and attractive framework established by the state government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Transparent System Wins Farmer Trust
State authorities reported that the transparent and farmer-friendly procurement system encouraged widespread participation from cultivators. Tired of market uncertainties, farmers found the government's mechanism more reliable. A senior government officer confirmed that a total of 2.13 lakh metric tonnes of millet was procured across the state. Additionally, the government purchased 43,652 tonnes of sorghum and 12,208 tonnes of maize during the same season.
Widespread Procurement and MSP Details
The procurement drive had a wide geographical reach. Millets were traded in 33 districts of Uttar Pradesh, while maize was procured from 25 districts and sorghum from 11 districts. The government offered Minimum Support Prices (MSP) that provided a safety net for the farmers. For the 2025-26 season, the MSP for sorghum (maldandi) was set at Rs 3,749 per quintal. The hybrid sorghum variety fetched Rs 3,699 per quintal, while millet was priced at Rs 2,775 per quintal and maize at Rs 2,400 per quintal.
Substantial Payouts to Shree Anna Farmers
The successful procurement operation translated into direct financial benefits for thousands of small and marginal farmers who primarily grow these millet crops. Out of 90,513 registered farmers, a total of 54,253 sold their produce through the official channels. These farmers collectively received payments amounting to a substantial Rs 598 crore. Compared to the previous financial year, the procurement volume of millets, sorghum, and maize increased, leading to higher and timely payouts for the Shree Anna (millet) farmers.
This outcome highlights the growing confidence in the state's agricultural support systems and marks a positive step towards ensuring income security for cultivators of traditional and nutritious cereal crops.
