Need to replicate ‘Dindori model’ of millet promotion: Bicycle Man of India

Pulwama, Jan 31: Congratulations from different corners of the country poured in for Neeraj Prajapati, popularly known as the ‘Bicycle Man of India’, for his successful millet promotion cycle ride from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Neeraj pedalled for 62 days through 11 states before concluding his more than 4200 kilometre Shree Anna Millet Promotion Cycle Ride at Swami Vivekananda Rock memorial in Kanyakumari on Wednesday.
Neeraj had left for the Kashmir to Kanyakumari ride from Lal Chowk in Srinagar on December 1, 2023 and during his millet promotion cycle ride he visited 50 KVKs, more than 40 state agriculture universities and other institutions besides interacting with a large number of farmers.
Talking to Rising Kashmir Neeraj Prajapati informed that the government is striving to promote millet farming in the country.
“Schemes for promotion of millet are reaching village farmers,” he said, adding that value addition needs improvement.
He said that costly machinery is required for processing of millets which most farmers can’t afford on their own.
Neeraj informed that he wishes that the MP type model for millet promotion is replicated in other parts of the country.
He said that in Dindori district of MP government has set up machinery for processing of millets which is procured from farmers at slightly higher prices than the government rate.
“The processed millets are then supplied for mid day meals scheme,” Neeraj said, adding that such a model should be replicated throughout the country.
Neeraj also said that further efforts are to be put in creating awareness about millets.
“Millet farmers from villages and districts need to be connected with the market through a proper channel,” he said, adding that promoting millet farmers from tribal areas should be a top priority for policy makers.
Neeraj informed that he will be visiting Kashmir to work with the farming community.
“A number of agriculture institutions look to work with the agriculture department of Kashmir and we will be doing a number of things there,” he said.
Hailing from Sonipat district of Haryana, Prajapati, an engineer turned organic farming activist, has garnered recognition both locally and internationally for his selfless service in agriculture, environment, and food security.
Since April 2019,Prajapati, has been on an organic bicycle ride to promote organic farming raising awareness about pesticide induced cancers.
He has to temporarily suspend his organic mission ride to align with the spirit of the International Year of Millets.