On the occasion of World Food Day, Jharkhand’s Agriculture Minister, Shilpi Neha Tirkey, urged farmers to embrace modern technology alongside traditional farming methods to achieve economic self-reliance. Speaking at a farmers’ seminar (kisan goshthi) at ICAR Garkhatanga, the minister advised farmers to visit their block offices at least once a week to avail benefits under government schemes.
During the event, women farmers who have made significant contributions to agriculture were honoured and provided with seeds. Minister Tirkey emphasised the importance of mindful consumption, warning that food grains grown with excessive chemical fertilisers could harm health and reduce soil fertility. She highlighted the ongoing efforts of institutions like ICAR and BAU, noting the development of new paddy varieties.
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Addressing attendees at the Millets Fest 2025 held at IHM Brambe, Tirkey stated, “The concept of society is incomplete without farmers. While eating, we must remember their hard work and struggles.” She further highlighted the growing popularity of finger millet (madua) dishes, both sweet and savoury, for their nutritional benefits.
The minister also noted the success of government incentives in promoting millet cultivation, which has expanded from 20,000 hectares to 90,000 hectares following a Rs 3,000 per acre support scheme. She added that collaboration with Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) is helping farmers enhance millet production, and plans are underway to open millet cafes across the state to ensure better market access.
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Additionally, Agriculture Minister Tirkey participated in a programme organised by the Social Alpha organisation, which supports startups and innovative agricultural solutions, helping bring new products to the market.
The event was attended by Special Secretary Gopal Ji Tiwari, Pradeep Hazari, ICAR Director Sujoy Rakshit, BAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Sunil Chandra Dubey, ISM Ranchi Principal Dr Bhupesh Kumar, NABARD DGM Gaurav Kumar, Open Field’s Dr Manisha Oraon, Pankaj Kumar, Mandar Block President Manga Oraon, Deputy Chief Muddasir Haq, and other dignitaries.