Surat, February 8 – The Gujarat government has launched the ‘Millets Festival 2025’ across seven districts, including Surat, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Bhavnagar, and Rajkot, to promote millets and natural farming. The festival was virtually inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel from Ahmedabad, while Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi officially launched the Surat event at Vanita Vishram Ground. The ceremony in Surat was attended by Limbayat MLA Sangeeta Patil and other dignitaries.
Jointly organized by the Surat Agriculture Department and Surat Municipal Corporation, the festival features around 75 stalls, including 60 stalls from farmers across Valsad, Dang, Tapi, and Navsari, displaying a variety of millet-based products. Additionally, 15 food stalls are serving a wide range of millet-based dishes, drawing enthusiasm from visitors keen to savor these nutritious delicacies. Other exhibits include turmeric, pearl millet, sorghum, ragi, spices, fresh vegetables, and rare produce such as Ambamore mango, Indrani black rice, and Lal Kada rice.
The Health Benefits of Millets
Millet-based foods are packed with essential nutrients and provide significant health benefits. Regular consumption can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, colon cancer, and other serious illnesses.
Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idol Steals the Show
One of the festival’s main attractions is an eco-friendly Ganesh idol displayed at stall number 43, crafted by Jayashreeben Chaudhary from Tapi district. Made from coconut husk fibers, the idol has garnered widespread appreciation. It was created by Jayashreeben and the Sneha Sakhi Mandal group, who have also exhibited a range of decorative items made from coconut fiber.
The festival aims to create awareness about natural farming and the nutritional value of millets, encouraging people to adopt a healthier lifestyle while supporting local farmers and sustainable products.
