Ranchi/Dumka : SwitchON Foundation, in an attempt to encourage millet
production, organized a high-quality millet seeds distribution program amongst
farmers in Jarmundi Block, Dumka, in Jharkhand. This initiative will not only
augment agricultural productivity but also contribute to the overall
nutritional well-being of the community. In addition to seed distribution,
SwitchON Foundation also created awareness about the nutritional benefits of
millets.
SwitchON aims to empower farmers in the region by providing them with
access to good quality millet seeds, thereby enabling them to grow this
beneficial crop.By diversifying their farming practices to include millet
cultivation, farmers can enjoy the numerous advantages that millets offer, such
as improved soil health, reduced water requirements, and increased resilience
to climate change.
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished Chief Guest Shri.
Badal Patralekh, Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and
Co-operatives, Govt of Jharkhand and Shri Abhijeet Sinha, I.A.S, Deputy
Development Commissioner (D.D.C.), Dumka joined us at the event, were
other dignitaries, including Fuleshwar Murmu BDO, Jarmundi Block, Dumka and
Shri Abhijeet Sinha, I.A.S, Deputy Development Commissioner (D.D.C.), Dumka. Other
guests included District Program Manager, JSLPS, Shri Sanjay Kashyap,
Secretary, APMC Dumka , Shri. Divesh Kumar Singh, ATMA, Dumka. The District
Collector distributed the Millet seed kits procured from Nuagaon Farmer
Producer Company to the farmers present.
Managing Director of
SwitchON Foundation, Shri Vinay Jaju said, “Millet is a highly nutritious and climate-resilient crop and holds
immense potential in enhancing the agricultural landscape and ensuring food
security. By helping our farmers to cultivate millets, we not only aim for
their well being but the wellbeing of our environment as a whole.”
A baseline study was launched by SwitchON Foundation on Cultivation of
Millets in Jharkhand. The study was carried out through a survey of 488 farmers
in three districts viz. Dumka, Pakur and Sahibganj. The study revealed that 66%
of the farmers grow at least one of the prime millets and 34% of the
farmers are not into growing either of the prime millets. It was found
that 88% of farmers reported knowing about the low water requirement of
millets. The study revealed that the frequency of millet consumption was 90-99%
in Pakur and Sahibganj and 62% in Dumka. 98% farmers felt that the government
subsidy would be a positive step towards providing support to marginal farmers.
To establish a narrative at the national and global levels, it is crucial to
foster collaboration among stakeholders such as government agencies,
implementing partners, FPOs, financial institutions, agricultural institutions,
cooperatives, and end-user beneficiaries. The report highlights intricate
challenges faced by marginal farmers of Jharkhand which comprises low income
level, low landholding size, high agricultural input cost, lack of reliable
irrigation facilities, and lack of smooth access to market centers.
A focused group discussion on millet was also organized as part of the
initiative. The discussion aimed to engage farmers in an interactive session,
where they gained valuable insights on cultivation process, health benefits and
culinary applications of millets. By promoting the consumption of millets
within their households, farmers can unlock the nutritional potential of this
versatile crop, leading to healthier diets and improved food security.
Fuleshwar Murmu BDO,
Jarmundi Block, Dumka commented on
the initiative, "We appreciate
SwitchON Foundation's dedication to addressing agricultural challenges and
their focus on nutrition awareness. This is a great initiative of promoting
millet cultivation amongst our farmers. It aligns perfectly with our vision of
sustainable agriculture and improving the livelihoods of our farming community.
This will create a positive impact on the agricultural landscape of Dumka
district."
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