Kathmandu. The government is celebrating National Millet Day for the first time today with the aim of stopping the import of millet crops, increasing production and productivity. The day is being celebrated today, Shrawan 16, for increasing the income of small farmers through millet crops, and for food and nutritional security.

The main organizing committee of the first National Millet Day has been formed under the chairmanship of Prakash Kumar Sanjel, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, and the slogan has been decided as ‘Diet of Millet Dishes: The Basis of Food Security and Healthy Life’.

Sanjel, Director General of the Department, informed that the day will be important to achieve the country’s sustainable development goals, reduce the impact of climate change, and transform the food system while preserving biodiversity. The Department of Agriculture has stated that about 18,316 metric tons of millet products worth Rs. 766.386 crore were imported in the fiscal year 2081-82.

On the occasion of the day, there is a program of planting millet in Tathali in Changunarayan Municipality and distribution of awards and certificates of appreciation in various categories including farmers, National Farmers’ Group Federation, journalists. It is said that various programs will also be conducted on the occasion by the provincial and local levels.

Chairman of the Millet Day Main Organizing Committee Sanjel said that average production can be obtained without or with reduced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and expressed confidence that it will help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and also help in mitigating climate change. The department has stated that all preparations for the day have been completed. (RSS)