Lalitpur : Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, has said the declaration and celebration of the National Millet Day aims to promote millet crops.
Speaking at the first National Millet Day programme held here on Friday, the Minister said that the significance of millet, once considered the ‘food of the impoverished’ has now been recognized and due to its nutritional value and health benefits.
According to him, the Day is dedicated to a crop historically linked to the marginalized communities, which is gaining attention for its multiple benefits. He added that millet requires no chemical fertilizers for cultivation, and foods made from millet are highly beneficial to health.
The programme was organized by the Vocational Skills Development Department of the Nepali Congress.
On the occasion, Nepali Congress central treasurer Umesh Shrestha highlighted ample opportunities in agriculture in Nepal, stating that over 65 percent of the population, many with minimal income, are engaged in this sector.
Department Coordinator Dr Ganga Laxmi Awal stressed that proper commercialization and modernization of the agriculture sector is the foundation for national economic prosperity. She also called for appropriate recognition of farmers who tirelessly supply food for the nation.
The Day was marked with the theme of “Future for Millet, Millet for Future”. Previously, the Millet Day was being observed annually on Saun 15 in the Nepali calendar. Starting this year, the government has officially declared Saun 16 as the National Millet Day.
