The month-long biodiversity festival of the Deccan Development Society (DDS) began at Potpally village in Jarasangam mandal on Bhogi day, following the tradition set 19 years ago.
The celebrations resembled the typical Sankranti in a village with farmers giving equal importance to their animals. A special attraction was an exhibition of different varieties of seeds packed in red clay pots that were arranged on decorated bullock carts.
“We want millets to be introduced in the public distribution system (PDS) and have submitted a memorandum several times urging changes in National Food Security Act.
This is not yet being implemented in the State,” said DDS Director P.V. Satheesh. The recent statement of Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyam Srihari that the reason for his present health was because he used to eat millets in his childhood, gives hope that the state government will respond this time, he added.
MLA J. Geeta Reddy said that the government has proposed to introduce a special budget for agriculture and she would raise the issue of millets distribution system in the PDS.
Gramya Resource Centre for Women director V. Rukmini Rao said that efforts are on to increase the millet farming across the nation by Millet Network of India. Millets are gaining importance in food consumption, she added.
CRIDA director K. Sammi Reddy said he that he would arrange for a visit of the women from Ranga Reddy Krishi Vignan Kendra to visit DDS and observe their activity.
Five women farmers — Kamalamma (Potpally), Mallamma (Rejintal), Chandibai (Arjun Naik Tanda), Ratni Bai (Upparpally Tanda) and Vinoda (Nagwar) — were felicitated on this occasion.
