DW BUREAU / Chandigarh The United Nations has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of 'Nutri-Cereals' after the dedicated efforts of the Government of India to promote cereals. In the year 2023, the Haryana government will promote Bajra as a 'Nutri-Cereals' under the National Food Security Mission. In Haryana, Bajra is cultivated in about 10 to 12 lakh acres of land, while the crop production is about 8 quintals per acre. This information was shared in the Executive Committee meeting of the State Food Security Mission chaired by Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal. The Chief Secretary directed the officials of HAFED to make efforts of getting the contract farming done directly with the companies so as to increase the export of Basmati rice. It was also informed in the meeting that HAFED is already exporting Basmati rice to the UAE and other Arab countries. Sh. Kaushal directed the officers that farmers should be motivated to promote contract farming of barley in the state. Apart from this, the campaign should also be started to avoid a possible outbreak of 'pink worm' on cotton crop, as cases of 'pink worm' attack are being reported in Punjab. In the meeting, the Chief Secretary was apprised that the under the National Food Security Mission, the Government of India had started the State Food Security Mission from the Rabi season 2007-8. Under this, the production of pulses and oilseeds was to be promoted. Edible oil and palm oil have been included in the year 2018-19. During the year 2021-22, the Central Government had approved an action plan of Rs.4013.86 lakh for this mission, under which farmers get subsidies for certified seeds, cluster demonstration farms, micronutrients, agricultural machinery, integrated pest management and crop and soil security management. (editor@dailyworld.in)