Andhra Pradesh Introduces Peanut Millet Jaggery Chikki in Government Schools

Key Facts

• Date of introduction: 6 July 2026
• Programme: Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme
• Snack composition: peanuts, blended millets, jaggery syrup
• Frequency: served three times a week
• Associated organization: Akshaya Patra Foundation supplying millet chikkis thrice a week since 31 March 2026
• Number of children served by Akshaya Patra in Visakhapatnam: 49,000
• Number of schools involved with Akshaya Patra in Visakhapatnam: 321 government schools

Background & Context

The Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme is Andhra Pradesh's school nutrition program focused on providing nutritious meals to students in government schools and junior colleges during the academic year 2026-27. On 6 July 2026, the state government introduced a new snack—peanut millet jaggery chikki—to replace the conventional peanut chikki. This chikki is made from peanuts, millets, and jaggery syrup, aiming to improve the nutritional quality of the snack, especially enhancing its dietary fiber and calcium content.

Millets incorporated include varieties such as ragi, jowar, and bajra, which are classified as coarse cereals and are known for their nutritional benefits. Jaggery is an unrefined sugar product made from sugarcane juice or palm sap that serves as a healthier alternative to refined sugar.

Prior to this, the Akshaya Patra Foundation had been supplying millet chikkis to students three days a week as part of their Morning Nutrition programme initiated on 3 December 2025 in Visakhapatnam. This programme provided millet-based snacks to approximately 49,000 children in 321 government schools on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This initiative complements the state government's efforts under the Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

Additionally, on 4 July 2022, Andhra Pradesh issued an order to supply eggs and peanut jaggery chikki to students under the Jagananna Gorumuddha scheme, covering schools irrespective of their mid-day meal programme participation.

Why This Matters for Exams

This information is relevant for candidates preparing for competitive exams focusing on current affairs in education, nutrition, and government welfare schemes. Questions may revolve around the dates of scheme introduction, the components and nutritional benefits of millet-based snacks, state-level school nutrition programmes, and the involvement of non-governmental organizations like the Akshaya Patra Foundation. Understanding the role of millets and jaggery in Indian nutrition and the government's approach to improving school meals is important for exam topics related to health, agriculture, and social welfare.

Points to Remember

• The peanut millet jaggery chikki was introduced in government schools of Andhra Pradesh on 6 July 2026 under the Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
• This snack replaces the conventional peanut chikki and is richer in dietary fiber and calcium.
• Millets like ragi, jowar, and bajra are classified as coarse cereals and contribute significant nutrients.
• Jaggery is an unrefined sugar derived from sugarcane juice or palm sap that replaces refined sugar for improved health benefits.
• Akshaya Patra Foundation supports the state by supplying millet chikkis three times weekly in Visakhapatnam as part of its Morning Nutrition programme since December 2025.
• The Jagananna Gorumuddha scheme (2022) also enhanced nutrition by providing eggs and peanut jaggery chikki, irrespective of mid-day meal participation.
• Mid-day meal schemes in India are linked to improved nutrition and school attendance among students.