2023 International Millets Year : Padmashree Nekram for giving impetus to traditional grains

 Once a considered neglected crops, coarse grain vis a vis to fine grain becoming popular among well off section of Society due to less gluten food, started gaining popularity.  During a discussion organized by Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti, this was stated by Mr. Nekram Sharma, a progressive farmer from Mandi district of Himachal, who was awarded Padma Shri this year for his contribution to natural farming. Sharma sharing his experience in the field  he said that he has been working in this direction for three decades. Not only are these grains getting importance on the pretext of this year declared International Millets Grain Year, but they are also considered best for health.  The Government of India is also now motivating the farmers to grow our traditional grains.  But this issue is not only of one year, but a lot of work needs to be done in this direction.  Farmers are being encouraged for natural farming in the villages.  Padmashree Nekram said that when he joined the literacy campaign under Gayan Vigyan Samiti in the 90s and had an opportunity to visit different places and learn.  With this inspiration, he turned towards environmental protection through natural farming.  He said that while being the block president of Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti, he did a lot of work on natural farming and environment by organizing people. Mr. Sharma said that on one hand he is happy that our traditional grains are getting importance, on the other hand he is also worried that in the race to increase production, these grains may not meet the same fate as other crops or fruits, which today are subjected to fierce chemical fertilizers and pesticides.  They have become toxic after falling prey to too much spray.  Mr. Sharma said that along with production, there is a need to upgrade technical tools to clean these grains.  This includes de husking machine, sowing machine etc. for these grains.  At the same time, it is also necessary to make available seeds on time from the Agriculture Department. Kisan Sabha President and founder president of Gayan Vigyan Samiti ,Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar said that there should be a provision to give these grains through mid-day meal, Anganwadi, and public distribution system so that the taste of these grains could also develop among the people. Dr. Om Prakash Bhureta, National Treasurer of Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti, said that at the national level, the convention was organized to take suggestions from progressive farmers across the country, in which farmers shared their experiences.