Patna, February 9: The ‘Prakritika 2026’ event has been inaugurated in Patna’s Patliputra. This initiative aims to raise awareness among urban residents about organic farming and natural lifestyles. Farmers from various states have set up stalls to showcase their organic products and share the benefits of organic agriculture.
Anshu, a woman farmer from a small village in Samastipur district, shared her experience in agriculture. She stated, “While working in farming, I not only support my livelihood but also strive for the health of my community. I realized that a significant portion of my hard-earned income goes towards medical expenses. This understanding motivated me to connect farming not just with production but with healthy living. Hence, I adopted organic farming, multi-cropping, livestock rearing, and natural methods. Through these practices, I aim to demonstrate to my village that proper farming can enhance both income and health.”
Munia, a woman farmer from Madhya Pradesh, expressed her commitment to preserving traditional indigenous seeds that have nearly vanished over time. “We continuously encourage farmers to revive these seeds, and for those who lack them, we provide them directly. Our traditional seeds, which were once our identity, are on the brink of extinction, especially millets like Kodo, Kutki, Mandiya, Gangni, Sanwa, Jowar, Bajra, Maize, and our native pulses and traditional vegetables,” she explained.
She added, “People used to refer to millet as food for the poor or for birds, but now awareness is growing about its nutritional value. Urban residents are also embracing it, and we hope more people will learn about its health benefits and incorporate it into their diets.”
Another woman farmer, Nikki, highlighted the festival’s theme of food and seed diversity. “When we refer to a food festival, we mean traditional foods. This includes Bihar’s traditional cuisine, as well as presentations from other states. We have received contributions from around 20 states, showcasing a blend of traditional dishes from across the country,” she noted.
This festival serves as a collective celebration of traditional culinary practices, bringing together diverse flavors and promoting the importance of organic farming.
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