On 19th May 2025, the Tamil Nadu Board of Rural Development (TNBRD) organized a Mega Farmers’ Workshop on “Promotion of Millets Cultivation” at Krishnagiri. The event was coordinated under the guidance of Dr. Sundarraj, who played a key role in planning and executing the program. Around 200 farmers from various parts of the district participated with great enthusiasm to learn about millet cultivation techniques, value addition, and sustainable farming practices.
Dr. Govindhan, Assistant Professor from TNAU, Regional Research Station, Paiyur, delivered an insightful technical session on natural and eco-friendly practices in millet cultivation. He focused on pest and disease management using indigenous methods, emphasizing the use of botanical extracts, bio-pesticides, and crop rotation to enhance resilience. His talk inspired farmers to adopt cost-effective and sustainable practices, reducing dependence on chemical inputs.
Dr. Parasuraman, Professor at TNAU, Coimbatore, presented a detailed lecture on “Integrated Crop Management (ICM) in Millets”. He elaborated on the importance of selecting high-quality seeds, appropriate seed treatment methods, optimal sowing time, plant population maintenance, and crop age management. He also introduced farmers to new high-yielding millet varieties developed by TNAU, encouraging them to adopt these for better productivity and profitability. His session helped farmers understand the holistic approach to millet cultivation, right from sowing to harvest.
Mr. Patchiyappan, Joint Director of Agriculture, Krishnagiri, spoke about the nutritional and health benefits of millets. He stressed the role of millets in combating lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity and urged farmers not only to cultivate millets but also to include them in their daily diets. His motivating words, “For a healthy living, eat more millets,” struck a chord with the audience. He also encouraged farmers to tap into the growing demand for millets in urban markets.
Dr. Sundarraj addressed the importance of expanding millet cultivation in the Krishnagiri district. He explained which millet varieties—such as finger millet (ragi), little millet, and pearl millet—are best suited for the local agro-climatic conditions. He also provided strategies for increasing the area under millet cultivation, including intercropping, organic farming techniques, and efficient water use. His vision for making Krishnagiri a model district for millet production was well received by the farmers.
Mr. Gunasekar, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil Science), educated farmers on soil nutrient management specific to millet crops. He discussed soil testing, the importance of balanced fertilization, and the use of organic manures like farmyard manure, compost, and green manure. He emphasized improving soil health to ensure long-term productivity and sustainability.
At the conclusion of the workshop, Mr. Patchiyappan released a technical handbook titled “Millet Cultivation Techniques,” which was distributed to all participants. Furthermore, TNBRD provided essential farm tools—including spades, hand hoes, battery-operated sprayers, and sickles—to all 200 farmers. This timely support was particularly beneficial to BPL farmers, helping them adopt improved cultivation practices. The event was widely appreciated and will be remembered as a significant step toward reviving and promoting millet farming in the region.