LG Sinha Calls for Making Millets a People’s Movement in J&K
Srinagar, September 22, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday called for concerted efforts to promote millet cultivation, processing and consumption in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising their nutritional, ecological and economic significance.
The Lieutenant Governor was addressing the valedictory session of the national seminar on “Millets for One Health” at Lok Bhavan, Srinagar. The two-day programme, organised in collaboration with the Kheti Virasat Mission, brought together farmers, scientists, chefs, doctors, students and policymakers from across the country to deliberate on the revival and promotion of millets and sustainable food systems.
Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Padma Shri awardee and millet scientist Dr Khadar Veli; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; DGP Nalin Prabhat; Executive Director, Kheti Virasat Mission, Umendra Dutt; millet and traditional food advocate A. Rambabu; judges of the High Court; ministers; MLAs; Padma Shri awardees; heads of educational institutions; social activists; civil society representatives; senior officials and other prominent citizens attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha appreciated the participating institutions for creating a platform for deliberations on the nutritional, ecological and economic importance of millets.
He said millets such as jowar, bajra, ragi, kodo, kangni and kutki had been part of human diets for centuries and their revival could contribute to healthier lifestyles and more sustainable agriculture.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted concerns over soil degradation, water stress and biodiversity loss, saying millets could help address some of these challenges.
“Millets require minimal water, thrive on rain-fed lands and require little or no chemical inputs. They are also rich in fibre, iron, calcium and protein, with a low glycaemic index,” he said, adding that their nutritional properties could contribute to addressing lifestyle-related health concerns.
Highlighting the potential of millet cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha identified three major areas of impact—addressing malnutrition, supporting healthier lifestyles and improving the economic prospects of marginal farmers.
He called for developing a comprehensive millet ecosystem encompassing seed diversity, crop diversification, farmer training, processing, value addition, culinary innovation and market linkages.
“All stakeholders should focus on seeds and crop diversification so that we can revive the diversity of our rich agricultural heritage. Now, we must move beyond seminars to the field and the market,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor further stressed the need to promote initiatives such as processing and value addition, chef training, “grain to plate” programmes and women-led home-based millet cuisine enterprises.
He said such initiatives should be expanded into a wider public movement to increase awareness and consumption of millet-based foods.
Sinha described millets as climate-smart crops capable of providing greater resilience amid changing weather conditions and monsoon patterns. He underscored the importance of sustainable food systems for public health, agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.
He also urged officials, experts and the media to promote awareness about millets and encourage their inclusion in everyday diets.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that farmers’ prosperity and environmental conservation could progress together, describing millets as an important component of sustainable and inclusive agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir.
The programme concluded with a millet-based dinner showcasing a variety of traditional and contemporary dishes prepared from these grains. ANB
