Lucknow, September 16 : The double-engine government is not only encouraging the general public to recognize the benefits of "Shri Anna" (millets), but is also connecting farmers with the advantages of cultivating it. For the year 2024-25, the procurement of coarse grains will begin on October 1 and continue until December 31. Registration and renewal for farmers is currently ongoing for the procurement of coarse grains, including maize, millet, and sorghum.

According to the Food and Logistics Department, farmers are required to register or renew on fcs.up.gov.in or through the UP KISAN MITRA app. Procurement will be done only from registered farmers.

Farmers can seek assistance for any issues they may have by contacting the previously issued toll-free number 18001800150. Additionally, they can reach out to the District Food and Marketing Officer, Regional Marketing Officer, or Marketing Inspector.

It is mandatory for the bank account in which farmers receive payment to be linked to their Aadhaar. Payments will be made directly to the farmers' bank accounts. To prevent middlemen and maintain transparency, the purchase of coarse grains at the procurement centres will be done through biometric verification of farmers through e-pop (electronic point of purchase) devices as before.

Along with promoting ‘Shri Anna (millets), the government has also increased its Minimum Support Price (MSP). The MSP for maize has been set at Rs 2,225 per quintal, for millet at Rs 2,625 per quintal, for hybrid sorghum at Rs 3,371 per quintal, and for Maldandi sorghum at Rs 3,421 per quintal.

Maize will be procured in the districts of Budaun, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Etah, Kasganj, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Hardoi, Unnao, Kanpur Nagar-Rural, Kannauj, Etawah, Bahraich, Ballia, Farrukhabad, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, and Lalitpur.

Millet will be procured in the districts of Budaun, Bulandshahr, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Rampur, Sambhal, Amroha, Aligarh, Kasganj, Etah, Hathras, Agra, Mathura, Mainpuri, Firozabad, Hardoi, Unnao, Kanpur Nagar-Rural, Etawah, Auraiya, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Gazipur, Ballia, Mirzapur, Jalaun, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Jaunpur, and Fatehpur.

Sorghum will be procured in the districts of Banda, Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Kanpur Nagar-Rural, Fatehpur, Unnao, Hardoi, Mirzapur, and Jalaun.