Cultivation of millets like ragi and jowar has increased substantially over the years owing to increased awareness and demand. “But only an increase in minimum support price (MSP) will enthuse farmers to continue millet cultivation,” Krishna Byre Gowda, Minister of State for Agriculture, told The Hindu on the sidelines of the two-day Organic and Millet Mela.
The mela has been organised for the first time by the Department of Agriculture at Cubbon Park in association with Jaivik Krishik Society, Horticulture Department, HOPCOMS and Nurserymen’s Cooperative.
Karnataka grows nearly 10 millets, second only to Andhra Pradesh. “Millets are not just power-packed with nutrients, but consume just one-fourth of water and soil nutrients when compared to paddy. They require only two rainfalls in the sowing and flowering stages. They are, by default, majorly organic, and their maximum fodder value suits our parched soil conditions while in distress,” he added. The event has 72 stalls showcasing products from 25 well-known names among organic millet dealers, societies and trusts. Experts will throw light on the overall value addition these organic crops bring about while the best of chefs will demonstrate cooking techniques using millets, he said.
Creating awareness on millets is all about speaking about its economic, social, environmental and nutritional value benefits, says the Minister. “It’s not easy to make people lap up more ragi and jowar without food specialists pitching in with items beyond Jolada Roti and Ragi Mudde. To cater to the urban lifestyle, they have come up with millet pasta, millet ice-cream, millet cakes and bakery products, instant food items, apart from a host of traditional preparations. This is what visitors can see at the mela,” he said.
