The Uttarakhand Shree Anna (Millets) Festival concluded on Tuesday, May 16, in Dehradun with a grand closing ceremony. The event was graced by the presence of Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar. Highlighting the benefits of Shree Anna, Minister Tomar emphasized its positive impact on small farmers and the overall economy.
Minister Tomar stressed that consuming Shree Anna promotes good health. These millets are highly nutritious and cost-effective for farmers to cultivate. They require minimal fertilizers and can thrive even in regions with low rainfall. Recognizing the potential to increase the income of small farmers, promote healthy living, and position food grains in India and globally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for millets on the global stage through the United Nations.
This proposal received support from 72 countries, leading to the UN declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, this year's festival aims to raise awareness about the significance of Shree Anna.
It is anticipated that Shree Anna will contribute to the growth of agricultural startups, generate employment opportunities, boost production and productivity, and increase processing and exports, ultimately bolstering the nation's economy.
Minister Tomar acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's vision to uplift the standard of living for the underprivileged, including initiatives such as building toilets, providing electricity, constructing Pradhanmantri Awas, and empowering impoverished women through self-help groups. Minister Tomar emphasized the importance of economic growth, industrial development, initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, and Skill India, and India's emergence as a global superpower.
He attributed this multidimensional thinking to Prime Minister Modi, noting that India's reputation has grown significantly due to the Prime Minister's efficiency, vision, and hard work. The world's economists are compelled to acknowledge India's economic progress and recognize it as a rapidly advancing force.
Minister Tomar applauded Prime Minister Modi's efforts to showcase India's specialties to the world. Yoga, an ancient Indian practice at risk of fading away, received renewed attention through Swami Ramdev's campaign to bring it into every household. Prime Minister Modi further propagated the significance of Yoga at the United Nations and urged the global community to celebrate International Yoga Day. As a result, Indian-style Yoga has gained prominence worldwide. Minister Tomar emphasized the importance of Yoga for maintaining good health.
Minister Tomar highlighted the central government's steadfast commitment to the agriculture sector since the formation of the government in 2014. The budget for agriculture has increased from approximately 21 thousand crore rupees to 1.25 lakh crore rupees today, reflecting more than a five-fold increase.
The PM-Kisan scheme has deposited 2.40 lakh crore rupees into the bank accounts of numerous small farmers to support their income. The Ministry of Agriculture has also increased allocations for various initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, crop insurance, enhanced food grain productivity, and the promotion of organic and natural farming.
Minister Tomar acknowledged the favorable agricultural conditions in Uttarakhand's diverse climate. The Uttarakhand government has played a pivotal role in effectively implementing the Ministry of Agriculture's schemes and ensuring farmers in the state benefit from them. Minister Tomar assured the continued support of the Government of India, including the Prime Minister, in assisting Uttarakhand's agricultural progress.
The closing ceremony witnessed the presence of Agriculture Minister of Uttarakhand Ganesh Joshi, Finance Minister Prem Aggarwal, public representatives, Acharya Balakrishna, senior officials, farmers, and startup representatives.
(Source: PIB)
