Page 120 - Millets Natures NutriGrain
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the International Year of Millets. This international recognition is a
testament to the importance of millets in preserving biodiversity and
sustaining life on land.
The Millet Village Scheme’s Role in Biodiversity
The Kerala State Agriculture Department’s efforts to expand the
Millet Village scheme to various districts further support the
protection of traditional millet varieties and sustain the livelihoods
of tribal communities. This project, aimed at protecting seeds of
traditional millets, aligns with SDG 15’s focus on land preservation
and biodiversity.
Championing Biodiversity and Land Preservation
Millets’ role in maintaining biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and
preserving land resources makes them champions of SDG 15. Their
cultivation embodies a sustainable approach to land management and
fosters the protection of biodiversity, ensuring life on land flourishes.
As we take these steps, we bring India’s sustainability goals within
closer reach, demonstrating the transformative power of millets in
shaping a more prosperous, sustainable future.
State-Specific Suggestions:
1. Andhra Pradesh:
• Scale up Successful Models: Expand initiatives like the
Andhra Pradesh Drought Mitigation Project, focusing
on drought-prone regions. Encourage Farmer Producer
Organizations (FPOs) and the promotion of minor millet
varieties to enhance the adaptive capacity and productivity
of agriculture.
2. Karnataka:
• Promote Urban Millet Cultivation: Launch urban millet
cultivation programs, encouraging city dwellers to grow
millets in their homes or community gardens. Raise awareness
about the benefits of urban millet farming and the importance
of locally sourced food.
3. Chhattisgarh:
• Mission Millets Replication: Implement a similar mission to
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