A Millet festival took place in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh, aimed at educating residents about the advantages of incorporating coarse grains like millets into their diets for improved health and strength. Padma Shri Dr. Khader Vali, known as the ‘Millet Man of India,’ emphasized the significance of consuming millets to the farmers and locals present. He highlighted that shifting to millet production not only boosts income but also helps combat various diseases plaguing society.
Dr. Vali stressed the importance of traditional farming practices and the consumption of indigenous millets such as jowar, bajra, ragi, kodo, and kutki during a meeting with farmers at the Dhamtari Collector’s office. He pointed out that excessive consumption of wheat and rice is contributing to health issues and advocated for a return to ancient millets for natural nutrition, reducing the reliance on medical interventions. The event also featured a millet exhibition showcasing nutritious products made from kodo and kutki, encouraging farmers to explore the value-added potential of millets beyond raw grains.
Encouraging a transition from predominant reliance on wheat and rice to nutrient-rich millets like jowar, bajra, and ragi, Dr. Vali proposed a sustainable solution for both health and agriculture. Farmers at the event lauded the initiative and committed to embracing millet cultivation following Dr. Vali’s advice. Farmer Lalram Chandrakar praised the insights shared by Dr. Khader Vali, emphasizing the historical significance of coarse grains in maintaining health and preventing diseases. Chandrakar, a millet producer himself, expressed intent to educate fellow farmers on millet cultivation practices for improved health outcomes.
