BHOJPUR: Farmers in Bhojpur are busy planting millet, which is grown as a second crop in fields previously planted with maize. Millet cultivation takes place across all nine local levels of the district, including Bhangeri, Bokhim, Dumsika, and Dawa of Bhojpur Municipality.
Farmers said that a lack of timely rainfall this year delayed millet planting in valley areas. With recent rains, they have now begun sowing. Millet sells for Rs 50–60 per kilogram in local markets. Local farmer Ram Bahadur Khatri urged the government to introduce a special program to promote millet, a native crop.
“There is no commercial practice of cultivating millet,” he said. “We grow it mainly for food. With the current rush for millet cultivation in villages, the state should run a dedicated millet promotion program.” Millet is used to make bread, porridge, cakes, beverages, and various desserts.
The Agricultural Knowledge Center reported that 5,270 hectares were cultivated with millet last year and expects a similar area to be cultivated this year.
However, farmers say the crop is losing appeal due to low labor-based production and unstable prices, which make selling millet challenging.
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