Kathmandu. Kathmandu: The government is going to celebrate the National Millet Day for the first time today with an aim to stop import of millet crops and increase production and productivity.

The day is being observed today to increase the income of small farmers and to protect food and nutrition.

Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Prakash Kumar Sanjel, has formed the main organizing committee of the first National Millet Day.

Director General of the Department, Sanjel, said that the day would be important for achieving the country’s Sustainable Development Goals, reducing the effects of climate change and transforming the food system by preserving biodiversity. According to the Department of Agriculture, about 18,316 metric tonnes of millet products worth Rs 766.386 million were imported in the fiscal year 2081/82 BS.

On the occasion of the day, there is a program to plant pumpkin and distribute prizes and certificates in various categories including farmers, National Federation of Farmers’ Groups and journalists at Tathali of Changunarayan Municipality. Various programmes will also be organized by the state and local levels on the occasion.

Sanjel, chairman of the main organizing committee of Kodo Diwas, said that the average production can be achieved without the use or reduction of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and expressed the belief that it would help in reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and also help in reducing climate change. The Department has said that all preparations for the day have been completed.