Raipur, Jan 5 (NationPress) A Millet festival was held in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh, on Monday, aimed at enlightening the local community about the numerous advantages of returning to coarse grains and how this shift could enhance their health and overall well-being.

Participating in the event was Padma Shri Dr. Khader Vali, known as the 'Millet Man of India', who shared insights on the significance of incorporating millets into daily diets. His presence generated substantial enthusiasm among farmers and community members.

Dr. Khader Vali emphasized to the farmers that increasing millet production could not only elevate their income but also serve as a crucial step in combating various health issues.

During a discussion with farmers at the Dhamtari Collector's office, he elaborated on the value of traditional agriculture and indigenous millets (coarse grains). He pointed out that the modern reliance on wheat and rice often leads to numerous health problems.

“Incorporating ancient grains such as jowar, bajra, ragi, kodo, and kutki into one’s meals provides essential nutrition, reducing the need for frequent medical visits,” he remarked.

Dr. Vali also encouraged farmers to revert to traditional and local crops, highlighting that these options are not only health-friendly but can also yield better profitability.

A significant millet exhibition took place at the Collector's complex alongside the meeting, showcasing a variety of nutritious products derived from kodo and kutki. This exhibition allowed farmers to realize that millets can be utilized not just as raw grains but also as value-added items. Many farmers expressed their appreciation for this initiative and committed to adopting millet farming.

Dr. Vali further asserted that the current necessity is to transition from an overreliance on wheat and rice to superfoods like jowar, bajra, and ragi. He described this as a sustainable approach for both health improvement and agricultural advancement.

Several farmers shared their positive views with IANS, pledging to follow the counsel offered by the Millet Man of India.

Farmer Lalram Chandrakar mentioned that the insights shared by Padma Shri Dr. Khader Vali were incredibly beneficial. He recalled that coarse grains were once a staple in diets, which contributed to healthier communities and minimized disease prevalence.

“Reintroducing coarse grains into our meals can effectively prevent many health issues,” he stated.

Moreover, he highlighted his own millet cultivation efforts and expressed his intention to educate fellow farmers about the benefits of growing and consuming millets.