The MLA praised nutritious millets, noted rising youth health issues from junk food, and urged expanding 25,000-acre millet cultivation
Yadgir
There is a strong need to create wide awareness about the health benefits of cereals, said Chennareddy Patil Thunnur. He was speaking after launching the “Cereal Walk” organised jointly by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Agriculture Department and District Farmers’ Association at the city’s new bus stand.
The MLA said traditional grains like jola, sajje, navani and other millets are highly nutritious. In earlier days, elders regularly consumed these grains and enjoyed better health. Today, he noted, increasing junk food habits among youth have led to rising health problems. He appreciated the Agriculture Department for encouraging millet cultivation on nearly 25,000 acres in the district and said this area should expand further.
He stressed that awareness about cereals must reach every village, household, school and college. At the same time, farmers growing millets should receive fair prices. He expressed concern that fertile lands are being leased to outsiders who grow commercial crops, damaging soil quality and affecting local farmers.
District Magistrate Harshal Bhoyar said millets were once the main crops of the region but declined due to focus on high-yield crops. Superintendent of Police Prithvi Shankar highlighted that lifestyle diseases are increasing and millet consumption can help improve health.
Senior leader Rachana Gowda Mudnal urged the government to support millet farmers with better facilities. Thousands joined the march from the new bus stand to the Government Degree College. Participants were served millet juice, promoting healthy food choices.