DC Kathua Flags Off Millet Promotion Campaign with Walkathon to Raise Awareness of Benefits

In a significant step towards promoting millet-based nutrition and celebrating the "International Year of Millets 2023," the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, orchestrated a spirited Walkathon as part of its Millet Promotion Campaign. The event was attended by more than 250 enthusiastic participants, including farmers, school children, and government officials.

The Walkathon, which also served as a Roadshow campaign, began at the Executive Engineer (PWD) Office near the District Library in Kathua and concluded at the Chief Agriculture Officer's Office Complex. The lively procession passed through the bustling streets of Shaheedi Chowk, Old Government Girls Higher Secondary School, and Court Road.

Rakesh Minhas, the Deputy Commissioner of Kathua, praised the Department's efforts in organizing the Walkathon to raise awareness about the benefits of millets. He emphasized the importance of consuming millet, which are nutritious and culturally significant grain.

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Sanjeev Rai Gupta, the Chief Agriculture Officer in Kathua, highlighted the Department's efforts to boost millet production and distribution. He also announced the goal of bringing 400 hectares of land under millet cultivation during Kharif 2023 in the arid regions of Hiranagar, Kathua, Billawar, and Bani Subdivisions.

Murari Lal, District Agriculture Officer in Kathua, reiterated the health benefits of millet and the importance of expanding millet cultivation while incorporating these nutritious grains into daily diets. He highlighted the event's aim to raise awareness among students, teaching staff, farmers, and workers about the potential health advantages of millet.

As a captivating addition to the event, local Dogri artists performed "Nukkad Natak" (street plays) and songs, further enhancing the general awareness of millets and their significance.

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Ashok Kumar Sarmal, Area Development Officer (Vegetables), expressed his gratitude to all the dignitaries, school children, farmers, and participants for their active involvement in the Roadshow Campaign.

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 2023 as the "International Year of Millet-2023 (IYOM-2023)," recognizing the importance of these versatile grains in promoting nutrition and food security.

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