Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda, emphasized the significance of millets in India's agricultural landscape during his visit to the ASEAN-India Millet Festival at DLF Promenade Mall. The two-day event, organized by the Indian Mission to ASEAN in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, is aligned with the International Year of Millets and seeks to enhance awareness and create a broader market for millet and millet-based products.
Accompanying Arjun Munda were Additional Secretary Ms. Maninder Kaur and Joint Secretary Ms. Shubha Thakur, both key figures in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The festival showcases the participation of Millet-based Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) and agricultural entrepreneurs in an exhibition dedicated to millet-centric initiatives.
During his interaction with participants, Minister Munda urged the farming community to capitalize on essential government schemes such as the Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana and the PM Kisan Samridhi Yojana. These initiatives are designed to provide financial support and risk mitigation to farmers across the country.
The primary goal of the exhibition is to facilitate collaboration among ASEAN countries, celebrate cultural and culinary diversity, and promote sustainable millet practices for a healthier future. Millets, being nutritionally rich and environmentally sustainable, play a crucial role in addressing food security challenges and promoting agro-biodiversity.
The ASEAN-India Millet Festival serves as a platform for farmers and entrepreneurs to showcase their millet-based products, fostering innovation and creating networking opportunities. By encouraging the adoption of millet cultivation, the festival aims to contribute to the diversification of agriculture and enhance the income of farmers.
As part of the ongoing efforts to support sustainable farming practices, the festival provides a space for dialogue and knowledge exchange between stakeholders in the agriculture sector. The engagement of government officials, farmers, and agri-entrepreneurs underscores the commitment to promoting millets as a viable and sustainable crop choice.
