Millet Exhibition-Cum-Awareness Programme Successfully Conducted in Tiruchi City

 

A district-level exhibition-cum-awareness programme on millets was held in Tiruchi on Monday, organised by the Agriculture Department to promote millet cultivation and consumption. The event was inaugurated by School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, who highlighted the nutritional and health benefits of millets such as sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, and foxtail millet. He described millets as “insurance for good health” and praised the Chief Minister’s initiative to conduct millet festivals across the State. The Minister also suggested that schools and government events should incorporate millet-based meals to encourage local production and healthier diets.

Tiruchi Collector V. Saravanan shared that millets are cultivated on about 26,000 hectares of rainfed land in the district, producing nearly 64,200 metric tonnes annually. The major millet-producing regions include Manapparai, Marungapuri, Vaiyampatti, Thuraiyur, Musiri, Thathaiyengarpet, Thottiyam, and Uppiliyapuram. He emphasised that millets, rich in minerals and vitamins, require minimal water and inputs, making them both environmentally sustainable and deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu’s centuries-old agricultural traditions.

The event drew participation from over 600 farmers representing various parts of the district. Several stalls were set up by the Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Marketing and Agribusiness, Seed Certification, and Organic Certification Departments. Other participants included Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sirugamani, farmers’ producer organisations, and agri-based companies. Visitors were provided with detailed information on millet varieties, cultivation practices, and the availability of government subsidy schemes aimed at boosting production.

Technical sessions were a major highlight, covering diverse topics essential for millet farmers and entrepreneurs. Experts spoke about Tamil Nadu’s significant role in the millet production revolution, integrated pest and disease management methods, post-harvest technologies, and advanced cultivation techniques. Another key focus was the preparation of millet-based food products, showcasing how value addition can create new market opportunities and improve farmer incomes.

The programme also featured demonstrations and awareness drives to educate farmers on organic farming practices, sustainable land use, and the commercial potential of millet products in both domestic and international markets. Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi also handed over organic manure to a farmer, symbolising the State’s commitment to eco-friendly agriculture. The event not only celebrated the importance of millets for food security and nutrition but also reinforced the government’s vision of reviving traditional grains for a healthier and more resilient agricultural economy in Tamil Nadu.

 

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