The Assam government has announced plans to promote millet cultivation as part of its strategy to address emerging drought-like conditions caused by below-average rainfall in several districts.

Speaking in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika acknowledged the rainfall deficit and said the government would introduce short-duration crop varieties and encourage millet cultivation in drought-prone regions such as Golaghat, Morigaon, and West Karbi Anglong.

The initiative is aimed at helping farmers adapt to changing climate conditions, as millets require less water, are more drought-tolerant, and can perform better under limited rainfall compared to many conventional crops. Alongside millet promotion, the government also plans to expand irrigation coverage from 24% to 50% of Assam's cultivable land and implement minor irrigation schemes in low-rainfall areas.

The move reflects Assam's growing focus on climate-resilient agriculture, with millets emerging as a sustainable solution to safeguard farm productivity and strengthen food security amid increasing climate variability.