JAMMU: 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 the 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 of the Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, inaugurated the event.
Director of Agriculture Jammu, Ram Savak along with HoDs of allied departments were present on the occasion.
The event included a roadshow campaign on the millets promotion and an exhibition.
The Principal Secretary inspected the stalls exhibiting different agriculture activities and gave on-the-spot directions for promoting a unique brand in honey and mushrooms.
Shailendra Kumar urged upon everyone to incorporate millet into their daily diet to achieve a healthier lifestyle and abstain from unhealthy food. He reiterated the resolve of the 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.
The 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 the Kisan Advisory Board, the Principal Secretary informed that for the facilitation of farmers, the department has issued the order which will facilitate the 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 the 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 referred to the age-old healthy practice of using millet 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.
