By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 18 Oct: The Agriculture Minister of Uttarakhand, Ganesh Joshi, participated as the Chief Guest at the 6th International Millets Conference, being held from 17 to 19 October, in Hyderabad. The event commenced with the minister lighting a ceremonial lamp, followed by the inauguration of a millet exhibition.
During his address, Minister Joshi emphasised the superiority of Uttarakhand’s millets and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to doubling farmers’ incomes. He highlighted the comprehensive welfare schemes initiated under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, specifically mentioning that the first file signed by the Prime Minister in his third term was related to the PM Kisan scheme, illustrating his concern for farmers’ welfare.
Minister Joshi noted that the State Millet Mission will be operational from 2023-24 to 2027-28, providing an 80% subsidy on millet seeds, in contrast to the 50% subsidy offered for other crops. He also mentioned ongoing initiatives to promote organic farming, including the Traditional Agricultural Development Scheme and the Namami Gange initiative, aimed at increasing the area under organic cultivation.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Kerala’s Agriculture Minister P Prasad, Dr B Dayakar Rao from ICAR, and other distinguished guests, indicating a significant gathering of expertise in the field.
