Chandigarh, March 31 -  While the Haryana Government is ensuring the procurement of every grain in the interest of the farmers of the state, the government is also serious about increasing its consumption. At the same time, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal also directed the officers to explore the possibilities of increasing utilization of millet in food products.

The Chief Minister today discussed the utilization of millet, through video conferencing with representatives of well-known companies like Parle-G, ITC, Om Sweets, Harish Bakery, Kakaji Bakery and Bikaner. Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala and Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. JP Dalal were also present in the meeting.

Speaking to the company representatives, the Chief Minister said that in the next 2 to 3 months, they should make a plan of how millet can be utilized in food products. On being apprised that biscuits made of millet are becoming very popular among the people, the Chief Minister, directed that its production should be increased, for which the help of self-help groups can also be taken.

He said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has declared the year 2023 as 'Millet Year' with a view to encourage the consumption of coarse grains so that people remain healthy.

The company representatives assured the Chief Minister that they are constantly making efforts in this direction. Trials are being conducted for this and good results are being expected soon.

In the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Sh. TVSN Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Haryana School Education Department, Sh. Mahavir Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Haryana, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Department, Dr. Sumita Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary Haryana, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. V. Umashankar, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Smt. Ashima Brar, Commissioner and Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, Dr. Rakesh Gupta, and Managing Director, HAFED, Sh. DK Behera among other senior officers were present.