Suttur, December 27, 2021: The ICAR JSS Krishi Vignan Kendra, Suttur, successfully organized a field day focused on the Foxtail millet HFT 109-3 variety. The event took place at the agricultural field owned by farmer Sri Nanjundanayaka in Nanjangud, garnering participation from approximately 30 enthusiastic farmers.
During the event, Smt. Netravathi Yettinamani, Home Scientist at ICAR JSS KVK, provided insights into the nutritional benefits of foxtail millet. She emphasized its high protein and fiber content and ability to release glucose slowly in the body, making it suitable for individuals with diabetes. Encouraging farmers, she recommended the cultivation of millets for personal consumption in their agricultural fields.
Addressing the audience, Smt. H.V. Divya, Head and Senior Scientist at JSS KVK emphasized the health improvements associated with millet consumption. She highlighted the minimal water requirements and low maintenance costs of growing foxtail millet, stressing its resilience against diseases and pests. Her advice to farmers was to include foxtail millet and other millets in their daily diet.
Sri Shamraj, Cultivation Scientist at JSS KVK, shared valuable insights on the cultivation of DHFT variety foxtail millet. He recommended sowing the crop seeds during June-July, with a harvesting period of approximately 90 days. Sri Shamraj mentioned that farmers can expect a yield of 7 to 8 quintals of produce per acre, along with 14 to 16 quintals of fodder. He also highlighted the cost-effectiveness of millet production.
The host farmer, Sri Nanjundanayaka of Suttur, expressed his satisfaction with growing millets using the DHFT 109-3 foxtail millet seeds provided by ICAR JSS KVK. He emphasized that the crop remained disease and pest-free, requiring no fertilizers or pesticides, thus minimizing production costs. Sri Nanjundanayaka encouraged fellow farmers to venture into millet cultivation and share their experiences.
Another participant, farmer Sri Nanjudaswamy from Bokkalli, expressed his interest in growing millets in his agricultural field to promote soil health and personal well-being.
Appreciating the efforts of JSS Krishi Vignan Kendra, farmer Sri Gurulingegowda of Biligere village commended the valuable information shared and the provision of necessary seeds to encourage millet cultivation. He called upon all farmers to join in cultivating millets.
The Foxtail Millet Field Day proved to be an enlightening and inspiring gathering, providing farmers with practical knowledge and motivation to embrace millet cultivation for a sustainable and healthy future.