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the International Year of Millets. This international recognition is a
        testament to the importance of millets in preserving biodiversity and
        sustaining life on land.

        The Millet Village Scheme’s Role in Biodiversity
        The  Kerala  State  Agriculture  Department’s  efforts  to  expand  the
        Millet  Village  scheme  to various districts  further support the
        protection of traditional millet varieties and sustain the livelihoods
        of tribal communities.  This project,  aimed  at  protecting  seeds of
        traditional millets, aligns with SDG 15’s focus on land preservation
        and biodiversity.

        Championing Biodiversity and Land Preservation

        Millets’ role in maintaining biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and
        preserving land resources makes them champions of SDG 15. Their
        cultivation embodies a sustainable approach to land management and
        fosters the protection of biodiversity, ensuring life on land flourishes.

        As we take these steps, we bring India’s sustainability goals within
        closer reach, demonstrating the transformative power of millets in
        shaping a more prosperous, sustainable future.

        State-Specific Suggestions:

        1. Andhra Pradesh:
           •  Scale up Successful Models: Expand initiatives  like  the
               Andhra Pradesh Drought Mitigation  Project,  focusing
               on drought-prone  regions. Encourage  Farmer  Producer
               Organizations  (FPOs) and the  promotion  of minor millet
               varieties to enhance the adaptive capacity and productivity
               of agriculture.

        2. Karnataka:

           •  Promote Urban  Millet Cultivation: Launch urban millet
               cultivation  programs, encouraging  city  dwellers  to grow
               millets in their homes or community gardens. Raise awareness
               about the benefits of urban millet farming and the importance
               of locally sourced food.
        3. Chhattisgarh:

           •  Mission Millets Replication: Implement a similar mission to


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