Millets Festival will be held for the first time in Dhamtari district.
Dhamtari. In a historic initiative to promote nutritional security, farmer prosperity, and sustainable agriculture in the district, the district administration is organizing the first-ever “Millets Festival.” On the special initiative of Collector Mr. Abinash Mishra, this event will be held on January 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Collectorate meeting room.
The main objective of this festival is to widely educate farmers, women self-help groups, and the general public about the cultivation, nutritional value, health benefits, and marketing potential of millets (Shreeanna). This event will propel the district toward a new identity towards a healthy society and self-reliant agriculture. During the festival, an attractive exhibition will showcase various types of millets, including kodo, kutki, and ragi, produced in the district, and nutritious, delicious, and traditional dishes prepared from them. Attendees will be inspired to adopt millet-based eating habits in their daily lives by tasting these dishes.
Making the occasion even more significant, Padma Shri awardee Dr. Khader Valli will be a special guest. They will provide detailed guidance to farmers and citizens on the health benefits of regular consumption of millets, their importance in lifestyle, their role in diabetes, heart disease, and digestive problems, and opportunities for scientific farming and marketing.
It is noteworthy that millets are rich in fiber, iron, calcium, protein, and essential minerals. This crop yields more with less water, is climate-friendly, and contributes to environmental protection, thereby reducing farmers’ costs and increasing their income. Collector Abinash Mishra appealed to the district’s farmers, women’s groups, youth, and the general public to participate in large numbers in this historic Millets Festival. He stated that only by transforming millets into a mass movement can the vision of a healthy society, prosperous farmers, and a strong district be realized.
