To commemorate National Farmer’s day, the Agriculture department, Jammu, today organized a road show and Millet exhibition at Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo. Pertinently, the day is being celebrated every year in memory of late Choudary Charan Singh, former Prime Minister of India.
The objective of the event was to explore the potential of millets in transforming the agricultural landscape. Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, inaugurated the event.Director Agriculture Jammu, Ram Savak along with HoDs of allied departments were present on the occasion.
The event included a road show campaign on the millets promotion and an exhibition. Principal Secretary inspected the stalls exhibiting different agriculture activities and gave on spot directions for promoting a unique brand in honey and mushroom.
Shailendra Kumar urged upon everyone to incorporate millets in their daily diet to achieve a healthier lifestyle and abstain from unhealthy food. He reiterated resolve of agriculture department to increase awareness regarding millet consumption and ensure a full day meal made of millet once a week to help the students and faculty attain a healthier lifestyle.
Principal Secretary exhorted upon all to promote millet consumption as it is chemical free and a healthier alternative. In response to certain queries raised by members of Kisan Advisory Board, the Principal Secretary informed that for facilitation of farmers the department has issued the order which will facilitate sale/purchase of animals within and outside UT.
All the Deputy Commissioners have been directed to vigorously pursue the PMKISAN cases as well as saturate KCC activation under Kisan Bhagidhari Prathmikta campaign, he further informed. Director Agriculture mentioned that the Millets Mela is a unique platform for all stakeholders to connect on a common platform.
He made a reference to the age old healthy practice of using millets in their diet and having a healthy lifestyle.He said that Govt. of India is now focusing on re-introducing health supplements having millets for promoting a healthy lifestyle among the masses.
He urged upon all to collaborate to promote and create awareness about millets leading to increased consumption and cultivation benefitting the farmers. On this occasion, he also highlighted various achievements of schemes like HADP, CSS and sanction of projects under NABARD.
The Millet Mela-cum-Exhibition was a day filled with innovation, learning, and networking opportunities, bringing together farmers, kisan board representatives, academia, experts, and enthusiasts under one roof.
Among the prominent persons who attended the event were Imam Din MD HPMC, Nagender Jamwal Director CAD, Vikas Sharma, Director HPM, Hamid Wani Secretary Kisan Advisory Board J&K, Balbir Kaur, Tejinder Singh, Basant Singh Saini, Kulbhusan Khajuria and other progressive farmers.