More than 850 farmers gathered at Chandpur in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor district for a district-level millet festival aimed at strengthening awareness of traditional grains, improved cultivation practices and agricultural mechanisation.

The event was organised on October 1 at the Agricultural Produce Market in Chandpur under the Uttar Pradesh Millets Revival Programme 2026–27. Government departments, agricultural experts, farmer organisations and other stakeholders participated.

A major focus of the programme was increasing farmers' knowledge of different millet crops. Agricultural scientists discussed bajra, jowar, ragi, kodo, sanwa, cheena, kangni and kutki, providing information about cultivation, utilisation and pest management. Experts also shared updated techniques for sowing Rabi crops.

Former Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister and MLC Ashok Kataria visited stalls established by the agriculture department, associated agencies and Farmer Producer Organisations. Farmers were encouraged to increase the use of Shri Anna and explore modern agricultural technologies and additional livelihood opportunities.

Agricultural mechanisation was another component of the event. A farmer received a combine harvester supported by a ₹10 lakh government subsidy, while farmers from Jalilpur and Noorpur blocks received lentil and mustard mini-kits.

PBS Sugar Mill, Chandpur, also participated, although its interaction focused mainly on sugarcane. Its representatives discussed improved planting material, fertilisers, agricultural machinery, cane harvesters and mechanised harvesting with farmers.

The event fits within Uttar Pradesh's wider millet revival strategy, which includes district millet festivals, farmer awareness and capacity-building programmes, recipe initiatives, seed support and assistance for millet processing and marketing.