Millet fairs should be held in other districts, say visitors

 Visitors to the organic and millet trade fair said more such events should be organised in other parts of the state to make millets among all sections of people, not just villagers.

"Except ragi and sorghum I have not heard of these many millets in my life. My parents know eight or nine kinds of millets. I will take home all of them today," said Kishor Mallikarjun, who works as a human resource manager in a private company.

Kishor said the fair was a source of reminiscence for several people who were out of touch with their roots. "Though my parents come from a village near Davangere, I grew up in Bengaluru and was removed from that culture. In a way, this is one way to to remember our roots. It is nice to know that these products are available online. But more events like this should be organised to spread awareness on millets," he said.

Visitors savoured the millet cookies, cakes and other delicacies and bought a variety of ready-to-cook millet products out of curiosity. "I have bought haraka (Kodo millet), Oodhalu (barnyard millet) and Navane (foxtail millet) in bulk. Now, I have to call my friends and get the recipes," said Mamata Sudhir N.

Siddanagowda Patil, a visitor from Devadurga in Raichur, said that he was happy to see the staple of his village being sold at favourable prices. "I grow millets only for consumption these days, though they are the easiest crops. But the price range here is encouraging. The government should organise these events in Hubballi, Raichur and other districts to inform more farmers about the commercial viability of millet farming," he said.

Venkata Reddy, who represented an organic farmers federation from Shahapur, said millets should not be reduced to bakery items. "They should become a staple for everyone to reduce the consumption of rice, which is a water-intensive crop. Millets also lead us to an organic and healthy life. At least two or three millet trade fairs should be held every year in all the districts," he said.