The Government of India has approved Chief Minister Mr Bhupesh Baghel's proposal of including millets under the midday meal scheme. Now, for four days a week, under Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Yojana, millet based food products will be distributed in place of soya chikki in 12 districts of Chhattisgarh.

As per the vision of Chhattisgarh Government, the Directorate of Public Instructions had sent a proposal to Government of India to partially amend the scheme and distribute Millet-based food products in place of soya chikki. This proposal has been approved by the Director, PM Poshan, Government of India.

It is noteworthy that farmers in Chhattisgarh are being encouraged to produce millets. Millets such as kudo, kutki, Ragi are being procured at support price. Moreover, millets producing farmers of the state are being provided an input subsidy of Rs 9000. Year 2023 has been declared as the international millet year.

It is noteworthy that in the annual action plan of Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana, the central government has sanctioned Rs 1787.20 lakh as Centre's share and Rs 1198.14 lakh as State's share for distribution of soya chikki as nutrient supplement to the children of the state for 55 days. In this way, a total of Rs 2995.34 lakh has been approved for this purpose.