By Pavan Sharma 
Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat is more than just a slogan—it’s a national vision for promoting sustainable farming, rural prosperity, and better nutrition. Across India, a millet revolution is quietly transforming lives, one seed at a time.
Guddu’s Story: The Power of Millets
Guddu Dongare, a farmer from Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district, turned his barren land into a source of income after learning about “Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat” at a local field school. With support from the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), he planted Kodo millet, earning ₹10,000 in profit and inspiring others in his village. His success shows how informed guidance and millet cultivation can uplift farmers economically and socially.
The Rise of Shree Anna
Millets, now proudly branded as Shree Anna, are small grains like Bajra, Jowar, and Ragi, rich in nutrients and perfect for modern dietary needs. Gluten-free and with a low glycaemic index, they are ideal for diabetic and health-conscious consumers.
India is leading the world in millet production, with 180.15 lakh tonnes grown in 2024–25. Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat is at the heart of this transformation, ensuring millets play a key role in national food security.
Government Support and Vision
The Government has laid a strong foundation to push forward Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat through multiple schemes:
- National Food Security Mission – Nutri Cereals boosts millet farming in 28 States and 2 UTs.
- PM RKVY offers flexible state-level support for millet promotion.
- Budget allocations of ₹8,000 crore (Krishionnati Yojana) and ₹8,500 crore (PM RKVY) empower farmers with tools, seeds, and training.
Value Addition and Processing Push
Under the PM–FME scheme, millet-based micro food processors receive targeted financial and technical help.
The PLISMBP scheme rewards companies making Ready-to-Eat (RTE) or Ready-to-Cook (RTC) millet products. With ₹800 crore set aside, this scheme strengthens the millet value chain and expands its market presence—advancing the Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat vision.
Taking Shree Anna Global
Through APEDA and the Ministry of Commerce, millet exports are being actively promoted. In 2024–25, India exported over 89,000 tonnes of millets worth $37 million. A dedicated online portal connects buyers and exporters, further boosting Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat on the global stage.
Science and Research for a Stronger Future
The ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad, leads millet innovation. As a global centre of excellence, it’s central to the Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat initiative, helping small farmers adopt modern techniques and form farmer producer organisations (FPOs).
Public Procurement and Nutrition
Millets are being integrated into the PM–Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and National Food Security Act, allowing states to substitute rice or wheat with coarse grains like Shree Anna. This strengthens public nutrition and food security goals.
State-Level Millets Missions
Several states are championing Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat with innovative programmes:
- Odisha Millet Mission: Promotes Ragi with cash incentives and millet cafés.
- Andhra Pradesh: Drought mitigation through millet-based FPOs.
- Chhattisgarh: Tribal-led cultivation of Kodo and Kutki.
- Haryana: Bajra brought under price protection via BBY scheme.
- Nagaland: Promoting foxtail millet through NFSM.
These efforts show that the mission is not top-down—it’s locally driven, tailored, and inclusive.
A Full Millet Value Chain
The millets mainstreaming framework supports every link—from farming and storage to packaging, branding, and global marketing. Local FPOs, MSMEs, and millet kiosks are being encouraged to sell millet-based products, making Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat a household presence.
A Millet Experience Centre has also been set up in Delhi’s Dilli Haat to boost public awareness and acceptance.
The Future is Shree Anna
Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat offers India a unique opportunity to create a food system that is climate-resilient, farmer-friendly, and nutrition-focused. From remote tribal villages to urban health-conscious markets, millets are reclaiming their rightful place. With sustained policy push, innovation, and partnerships, India is not only feeding its own population better—but also emerging as a global millet leader. The journey of Shree Anna is just beginning, and it promises a truly Shreshta Bharat for all.
Read Also :-
Aadhaar Seeding and Digital Reforms in PM-KISAN Scheme: Empowering Farmers with Direct Support
What’s Changing in India’s Fertilizer Strategy 2025? Big Reforms Farmers Must Know!