Uttarakhand CM Dhami Kickstarts 'Shri Anna Mahotsav' Celebration in Hathibarkala

On Saturday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 'Shri Anna Mahotsav 2023' at Survey Stadium, Hathibarkala. During his address to a massive audience, the Chief Minister stated that this event would be a significant step towards promoting the cultivation of 'Shri Anna.'

The festival aims to provide valuable information to farmers about millets and encourage their cultivation. It is noteworthy that the year 2023 has been declared the "Millets Year" in India.

According to the Chief Minister, the global recognition and appreciation for the significance of traditional crops in India can be attributed to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi's guidance and vision. As a result of India's proposal, the United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. He further stated that the ongoing Shri Anna Mahotsav, which is a four-day event, is being attended by numerous farmers from across the state.

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The speaker mentioned that the Prime Minister has bestowed the title of "Shri Anna" upon Millets. The reason behind this is that millet not only possesses nutritional benefits but also has medicinal properties.

The state government is taking steps to promote the cultivation of millet in the hilly regions of the state through various government schemes that aim to encourage farmers and generate employment opportunities. Coarse grains such as Mandwa, Jhingora, and Chaulai are being purchased from farmers in the hilly districts of the state at a minimum support price. Additionally, online payments are being made to the farmers. This initiative has not only led to an increase in the income of farmers but also inspired them to produce more millet products. The Chief Minister, Mr. Dhami, has expressed his satisfaction with the progress of this program.

Also Read:- ASSOCHAM Organises Conference on Millet Value Chain in Kochi 

The Chief Minister has announced that the government has allocated a sum of approximately Rs. 73 crores towards the State Millet Mission, aimed at promoting millet crops and making them a part of the common people's diet. The government is also commencing the implementation of the National Natural Agriculture Mission scheme in 11 districts of the state this year, alongside organic agriculture. The Government of India has approved an agricultural mission program worth about 796 lakhs on 6400 hectares of land, to support this initiative.

The state government has set a target to increase the agricultural area dedicated to natural farming through the implementation of the "Chief Minister Natural Agriculture Scheme" and the Namami Gange Natural Agriculture Corridor Scheme. Additionally, there is a proposal to establish a "State Natural Agriculture Board" to ensure regular monitoring and planning to promote natural farming. The Chief Minister has encouraged the people of the state to include Shri Anna in their cultural festivals and celebrations. The Chief Minister also visited various stalls showcasing millet-based products and launched the book "Health with Taste" which focuses on the nutritious crops of the Agriculture Department in Uttarakhand.

-ANI

Also Read:- India, World Food Programme Sign MoU During Global Millet (Shree Anna) Conference