Ahmed Patel writes to Gujarat CM to back millets cultivation

Congress leader Ahmed Patel wrote to Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today, urging her to encourage cultivation of millets, which is on the decline.
"The Socio-Economic Review 2014-15 of Gujarat has revealed a huge decrease in cultivation of millets in the state. Bajra cultivation reduced by 21 per cent," Patel stated in his letter.
"Jowar output shrunk by more than half (52 per cent) to reach a mere 84,000 tonne," Patel stated in his letter.
His letter stated that these figures are alarming because millets, which are rich in proteins as well as micro-nutrients, are a vital in fighting malnutrition.

"The issue is more pronounced in Gujarat, where more than half of our children face stunted growth due to malnutrition," Patel's letter stated.
"I urge the Gujarat government to revise its public distribution system policies and initiate measures to encourage the cultivation of millets," Patel's letter stated.

Patel's letter stated that it is necessary for protein rich millets to be consumed by people living below poverty line.
Cultivation of millets which grow with less water and fertilisers, has decreased due to scant attention paid by the Gujarat state government, his letter stated.
"Unlike other crops, millets can grow in harsh climatic conditions, require less water as well as fertiliser and yet provide reasonable yields to farmers," Patel's letter stated.

"Hence, I find it disturbing that despite numerous benefits, cultivation of millets has been receiving scant attention from the Gujarat state government," Patel's letter stated.
Consequently, the acreage of both Jowar and Bajra has reduced by 48 per cent and 25 per cent respectively within an year, Patel's letter stated.