Emphasizing the significance of millets in enhancing health and farmers’ prosperity, Gujarat Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani launched the state-level ‘Millet Festival and Natural Farmer Market-2026′ at Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront. Vaghani highlighted millet as more than just food, symbolizing a healthy lifestyle and farmers’ well-being due to its nutritional value and easy digestibility. The initiative, known as the ‘Shree Anna’ campaign, was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance public health nationwide.
Former Cooperation State Minister and State BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma and Agriculture and Animal Husbandry State Minister Ramesh Katara also attended the festival. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conveyed his best wishes through a video message, encouraging people to include ‘Shree Anna’ in their daily diets for a healthier Gujarat. Vaghani mentioned that millet awareness is being spread across 17 major cities in Gujarat under Chief Minister Patel’s guidance.
The festival, celebrating nutrient-rich millet varieties like bajra, jowar, ragi, nagli, kan, and moriya, aims to combat health issues arising from chemical farming and pesticide-laden grains. Vaghani stressed the health benefits of ‘Shree Anna’ millets in preventing diseases like diabetes and cancer. In Gujarat, over 8,00,000 farmers have adopted natural farming practices, with more than 20 lakh receiving training from the government.
Millet cultivation is highlighted for its water and fertilizer efficiency, supporting climate resilience. The Millet Development Scheme provides financial aid for value addition and processing units. With over 700 stalls and exhibitions, the festival facilitates direct market access for farmers. Vishwakarma pointed out the increasing global popularity of millets, mentioning that foreign delegates at the G20 summit were served millet-based dishes by Prime Minister Modi.
Last year, the festival attracted over 5,00,000 visitors, offering a variety of pure millet products and nutritious dishes for purchase.
