In a vibrant celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023, declared by the United Nations, the Food Safety Department Anantnag, under the visionary guidance of Commissioner Food & Drugs Administration, Jammu & Kashmir, hosted a dynamic Millet Mela at Dakbunglow Anantnag on Saturday, themed "Millets: The Miracle Grains."
The Millet Mela was inaugurated by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Anantnag, Dr. Mohammad Ashraf, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. Accompanying him was the Guest of Honour, the Secretary of District Legal Services Authority Anantnag, alongside distinguished guests including Chief Agriculture Officer Anantnag and Assistant Director Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Anantnag.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation including officials from the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department, Agriculture department, Anganwadi workers, farmers, food business operators, and students. The Millet Mela was aimed to promote awareness about the pivotal role of millets in food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.
Activities ranged from on-the-spot preparation of millet-based recipes to stalls featuring diverse millet products by renowned Food Business Operators such as Kraft Food Group, ALSehat, A Foods, and the Department of Agriculture. The event also hosted a painting competition among students and captivating cultural performances.
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Anantnag underscored the urgent need for millet cultivation and integration into daily diets as a powerful strategy in managing lifestyle-related diseases.
Chief Agricultural Officer Anantnag provided valuable insights into millet production both in India and Jammu & Kashmir. The department's proactive measures to promote millet cultivation for sustainable agricultural practices were spotlighted.
During the event, Chief Agricultural Officer Anantnag provided the insights regarding the millet production in India and J&K and the measures taken by the department in the district to promote the millet cultivation for sustainable agricultural practices. At the conclusion of the event, participants were awarded for their performance in different activities.