The Farmer Training Centre in Sundernagar, Mandi (in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh in India) became a hub of agricultural discussions as the Department of Agriculture hosted the Millet Fair 2025. The event brought together farmers, agricultural experts, and government officials, all with a shared interest in promoting millet cultivation. The fair, themed “Anaj Se Swasthya Tak – Millets ka Safar,” aimed to educate farmers on the nutritional benefits of millets, their resilience in changing climates, and their potential for economic growth.
C Palrasu, Secretary of Agriculture, graced the occasion as the chief guest, alongside other key figures such as Padmashri Nek Ram Sharma, Joint Director of Agriculture (Northern Region) Dharamsala, Dr Rahul Katoch (Sub-Divisional Officer, Civil), Amar Negi (state president of Kisan Union), and Sita Ram Verma. Several district and block-level officials were also present to engage with farmers and provide support.
A total of 584 farmers from Mandi and surrounding districts attended, making the fair a lively and interactive platform for knowledge-sharing. The event commenced with a millet pledge and a special song composed by RAA Hyderabad, setting the tone for a day focused on sustainable farming and health benefits associated with the super-food grains.
Farmers Gain Valuable Insights from Experts
The fair provided a unique opportunity for farmers to engage directly with agricultural scientists and experts. Dr Kavita Sharma, a scientist from KVK Sundernagar, and Dr Manju Lata Sisodiya, Assistant Professor at MLSM College, Sundernagar, led informative sessions on millet cultivation techniques, nutritional value, and their adaptability to environmental changes. They addressed the challenges farmers face in farming and provided practical solutions to improve yield and quality.
The event also served as a platform for farmers to share their experiences. Several progressive farmers and self-help groups (SHGs) showcased their millet farming journeys, discussing the hurdles they overcame and the innovative techniques they adopted to improve productivity.
A Showcase of Millet-Based Products and Technologies
One of the major attractions of the fair was the diverse exhibition featuring the super-food-based products, farming tools, and innovative agricultural practices. Stalls set up by the Department of Agriculture, Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojna, JICA Project, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, HIMRAA, and various self-help groups displayed a wide range of products and farming techniques. Farmers and visitors had the opportunity to taste millet-based dishes, inspiring them to integrate these nutrient-rich grains into their daily meals.
The fair also highlighted value addition in the super-food farming, encouraging farmers to explore processing and marketing opportunities. Discussions revolved around developing small-scale millet-based businesses and leveraging e-commerce platforms to reach a wider consumer base.
Success Stories Inspire Farmers to Expand Millet Cultivation
Padmashri awardee Nek Ram Sharma, a well-known advocate of natural farming, shared his insights on the importance of millet cultivation in ensuring food security and improving public health. He spoke about the role of the grains in combating malnutrition and lifestyle-related diseases, urging farmers to consider them as a sustainable alternative to conventional crops.
Adding to the inspiration, young entrepreneur Yashpal Chandel recounted his journey of building a millet-based product business. Starting from a small-scale operation, he successfully expanded to five districts in Himachal Pradesh, now selling his products through online marketplaces like Amazon. His story underscored the commercial potential of the small grains and encouraged farmers to explore entrepreneurship in the sector.
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Government Assures Support for Farmers
During his address, chief guest C Palrasu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting millet cultivation. He announced minimum support prices for naturally grown crops, ensuring better returns for farmers. Wheat would be procured at Rs 60 per kg, maize at Rs 40 per kg, and turmeric at Rs 90 per kg. These incentives aim to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and diversify their crops.
He also urged farmers to take advantage of the innovative millet-based culinary creations developed by self-help groups, emphasizing their market potential and health benefits. The government’s focus on promoting millets aligns with broader efforts to enhance agricultural sustainability and nutrition security.
Honouring Farmer Contribution – A Step Forward in Sustainable Farming
To acknowledge their dedication to sustainable agriculture, 25 progressive farmers were felicitated with mementoes. These farmers have played a significant role in promoting millet cultivation in their respective communities, inspiring others to follow suit.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr Prachi, Principal of the Farmer Training Centre, Sundernagar. She expressed gratitude to the farmers, experts, and officials who contributed to the success of the fair, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration for the growth of millet farming in the region.
The Millet Fair 2025 was more than just an event—it was a reflection of the growing awareness and enthusiasm surrounding millet cultivation. With strong government support, expert guidance, and an increasing number of farmers willing to adopt sustainable practices, the fair marked a promising step towards a more resilient and nutrition-secure agricultural future in Himachal Pradesh.
