Pulwama, Jan 10: The Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Kashmir carried out a millet promotion drive on Friday in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
The initiative, under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), commenced at the district agriculture complex in Waguma.
Around 200 farmers from various parts of Pulwama participated in the roadshow, which travelled through Newa and other villages. Agriculture Extension Officer Syed Tawseef Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that the campaign aims to encourage farmers to return to millet cultivation and highlight the nutritional benefits of millet consumption.
“Millets are small-grained annual cereals from the grass or poaceae family,” Ahmad explained. He noted that farmers in Jammu and Kashmir traditionally cultivated millets but shifted to other crops like rice and wheat over time. “We are now working on reviving both major and minor millet species in Kashmir,” he added.
The campaign focuses on various millet crops such as Pearl millet, Sorghum, Finger millet, Proso millet, Kodo, and Barnyard millet.
These grains are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them ideal for diabetic and obese individuals.
“Millets are rich in micronutrients and can be an effective tool against malnutrition,” Ahmad said. He also highlighted their resilience to extreme weather conditions, such as drought, making them a sustainable crop option for vulnerable regions.
