Manoj Sinha Inaugurates J&K National Seminar on Millets Mission

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Tuesday, 22 September 2026

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha has inaugurated a National Seminar on the Millets Mission, commending the efforts made towards strengthening Climate Resilient Agriculture, Women Entrepreneurship, Small Farmers Livelihoods, Sustainable food systems and rural economic development across the Union Territory.

In his address to the seminar, Manoj emphasized the increasing need to promote the use of millets in developing agricultural production systems that will be able to adapt to climate change and contribute to the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers. He related the development of millets to bigger issues like nutrition, food security, sustainability, self-reliance and inclusive rural development.

The initiative is in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision “Shree Anna” which has brought millets on the radar as a nutritious and climate smart crop, said the Lieutenant Governor. He emphasised millets' potential was not limited to cultivation but could also help establish a stronger local food system, enhance rural livelihoods, and foster new opportunities for entrepreneurship.

 Key Highlights

• LG Manoj Sinha inaugurates National Seminar on Millets Mission
• The Governor calls for climate-resilient farming and women-led enterprises
• Seminar highlights opportunities for small farmers across J&K

Manoj Sinha also urged more focus on traditional food habits and practices which are nutritious and local. Bringing these back can help to build better local food systems, and provide opportunities for farmers, producers and entrepreneurs involved in millet products and other businesses, he added.

One of the major themes of his speech was the importance of women entrepreneurs for promoting economic opportunities at the grassroots level. Promoting women in agricultural activities would create greater livelihood opportunities and improve local economies through agricultural related businesses and other rural business activities such as food processing. The focus is given to women entrepreneurs and women led businesses that are now playing significant role in generating employment and sustaining the eco-system of economic activity at the community level.

The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the need for concerted action to make sure the advantages of cultivating millets and related economic activities are felt in all villages of Jammu and Kashmir. Such activities should be linked to agriculture, nutrition, sustainability and livelihood generation, he said.

The National Seminar was convened to discuss the potential of millets in the field of sustainable agriculture and rural development, and to share ideas and experiences about how to promote them. The role of cultivation of millets for climate resilience, nutrition, food security and economic opportunities for rural communities were discussed.

The seminar was also an opportunity to reflect on the possibilities of traditional crops and traditional food practices in modern agricultural and livelihood systems. Raising the demand for millet products and building value chain could bring new income opportunities to small and marginal farmers, and promote more sustainable farming.

Woman's millet business can provide opportunities for women in rural areas for food processing, value addition, local production and entrepreneurship. These opportunities can be enhanced with agricultural support to increase women's involvement in the rural economy.

Manoj’s statement positioned the Millets Mission within the larger development context of food security, nutrition, sustainability and inclusive economic growth. Small farmers, women entrepreneurs, and these initiatives are also being emphasised to ensure that the opportunities in sustainable agriculture lead to real gains for the communities of Jammu and Kashmir.