DC Kathua flags off Walkathon to promote Millet Campaign launched by Agriculture Department 

KATHUA, October 28: As part of its Millet Promotion Campaign, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Kathua on Saturday organised a Walkathon under “International Year of Millets 2023” to promote Indian millet-based recipes and value-added products. 

The walkathon was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rakesh Minhas.

The Walkathon cum Roadshow campaign commenced from Executive Engg. (PWD) Office, Near District Library Kathua en route Shaheedi Chowk ,Old Govt. Girls Hr. Secondary School via court road and finally culminated at the Office Complex of Chief Agriculture Officer, Kathua.

More than 250 people including farmers, school children, officers/ officials from Agriculture Department, Kathua took part in the campaign.

On the occasion, DC Kathua Rakesh Minhas, appreciated the efforts of APFWD in making such public events successful. “Such events create awareness among the masses which helps in bettering the understanding about the benefits of millets which are widely campaigned to encourage people to grow and use millets as the world is observing 2023 as the International Year of Millet. He appealed to people to adopt a healthier lifestyle by utilizing the millets in every day diet. “Millets have cultural and historical importance too in various regions of the country as well”, he said. 

Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua Sanjeev Rai Gupta, said “to increase production and productivity of Shree Anna, incentives are being provided to the farmers on crop production and protection technologies besides acquainting them with cropping system based demonstrations, production & distribution of certified seeds. He also said” APFWD Kathua had set a target to bring  400 ha  area under millet cultivation during Kharif 2023 in the dry land areas/ Kandi belts of Hiranagar, Kathua, Billawar and Bani Sub Divisions. 

“With the cooperation of farmers and a massive campaign, APFWD Kathua  successfully sowed 633 hectares under millets with a production of 3200 quintals in Kharif 2023”, he informed .

District Agriculture Officer (Ext). Kathua  Murari Lal said, “This event is being organised to sensitise students, teaching staff, farmers and workers of various departments about the potential health benefits of millets”. He also stressed upon expansion of area under millet cultivation and inclusion of millets in daily diet for healthy life.

On the occasion Local Dogri Artist also performed “Nukkad Natak” and songs during the millet campaign for general awareness of masses.

Area Development Officer (Veg.) Ashok Kumar Sarmal, presented Vote of thanks to all dignitaries, school children, farmers, and all participants upon the final closing of the Road Show Campaign.

It is pertinent to mention here that The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared 2023 as the “International Year of Millet-2023 (IYOM-2023)”