In a vibrant celebration of culture, nutrition, and sustainable farming practices, the Khandwa Diocesan Social Service (KDSS) and Caritas India joined hands to organise the Sri Anna Mahotsav at the KDSS Campus in Khandwa on November 24, 2023. This grand event not only marked the largest millet festival in the state but also played a crucial role in promoting for the cultivation and consumption of millet, aligning perfectly with the International Year of Millet 2023.

Over 1,500 enthusiastic participants, including millet growers, processors, consumers, researchers, and school students, flocked to the event, transforming it into a kaleidoscope of millet enthusiasts. The festival served as a testament to the success of the Food and Nutrition Security program, Sabal, implemented by KDSS in 30 Korku villages over the last seven years.

Fr. Jayan Alex, the Executive Director of KDSS, highlighted the organization’s dedication to strengthening the food and nutrition security of the community. Informing about Caritas India Sabal program, he said the program is on a mission to revive millet cultivation among the Korku tribal community. Over the years, KDSS supported 978 farmers, facilitating the cultivation of 7-8 varieties of millets on a substantial 686.58 acres of land. The festival showcased the fruits of this labor, featuring diverse millet varieties like little millet, Kodo millet, barnyard millet, Finger millet, and more.

Director of Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), in his inaugural session, informed that the central and state governments have been honestly and intensively working for the welfare of farmers and have implemented scores of programs for protecting the interests of farmers.

Dr. Vani, Coordinator of KVK, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of KDSS and Caritas India, emphasizing the need for unity among all stakeholders to realize the benefits of government programs for farmers. The Deputy Director of Farmer Welfare, Mr. K. C. Waskel, outlined the state government’s recent initiatives, reaffirming the district administration’s commitment to the well-being of farmers.

The festival was not just an educational endeavor but a feast for the senses, offering millet food stalls, cooking demonstrations, cultural performances, and panel discussions. With 20 stalls showcasing a variety of millet products, attendees indulged in grains, flour, snacks, and sweets, all derived from the nutritional powerhouse – millets.

The technical session, led by Dr. Mukund Deshmukh, delved into the importance of recognizing indigenous food systems and promoting culturally appropriate solutions for food and nutrition insecurity. Dr. Deshmukh emphasized the critical role millets have played in ensuring food and nutrition security while underscoring their cultural significance as ‘Devdhan’ or the gift of the gods.

The festival marked the commencement of a district-level campaign to promote millets as a solution to achieve greater food and nutrition security. There were 20 stalls selling a variety of millet products, such as grains, flour, snacks, and sweets. There were also demonstrations of how to cook millet dishes. Cooking demonstrations were held by Women’s Group members, highlighting the versatility of millets in the kitchen.

Beyond the stalls and demonstrations, traditional cultural events, including music and dance performances, showcased the rich heritage of millet-growing communities. The festival not only achieved its goal of promoting millets but also proved collective consciousness, fostering awareness of the numerous benefits that millets bring to both farmers and consumers alike.