An opportunity

Walkathon is the annual event of DHAN Foundation. The Walkathon -2014 organized on the theme ‘Agricultural Biodiversity and Food Security with relevance to small millets’ for the second consecutive year had a overwhelming response from the public. Held across eighteen different places in four States viz., Tamil Nadu, Andrapradesh, Karnataka and Pondicherry witnessed a participation of more than 5000 people in the essay, slogan, elocution, recipe demonstration, trainings and over 55,000 people in the rally. The awareness reached over 2,00,000 people by way of distribution of leaflets, brochures, exhibition and sale of small millet produce The event had a significant impact in creating large scale awareness on benefits of small millets cultivation and consumption

DHAN Foundation organized Walkathon-2014 on 25th Jan, 2014 on the theme ‘Agricultural Biodiversity and Food Security with relevance to small millets’ in different states across the country. This is in continuation of the Walkathon-2013, which was also held with the same thematic focus. The theme for Walkathon is highly relevant in the present context when there is threat to biodiversity and food security. The burgeoning population of the world, increasing demand for food, food price, threat to diversity of plant species due to human factors and climate change, degradation and scarcity of resources especially land and water, food losses and food waste pose a great threat to the future food security of the world. Presently 75 % of the world food needs are met only by twelve major food crops. The developing countries, reeling under malnutrition are to be the worst affected. Small millets, the hardiest crops that can grow in heterogeneous rainfed condition, with limited water and yet superior in nutritional m quality to major food crops can be a solution to the future food needs. Despite these advantages small millets are in a situation of crisis in South Asia. Their cultivation in India has declined drastically over the years (76 % decreases in total production) due to low productivity and reduced consumption due to change in food habits. The green revolution in India, projected rice and wheat and much research, extension and support through government policies remained on these two crops.

Small millets belong to family Poacea and include an estimated 8000 species belonging to some 600 genera. Among them, eight small seeded species are used as food crops in different countries globally. These include finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.], foxtail millet Thinai[ Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.], proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.-Pani varagu), little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth. ex Roem. & Schult.- Samai, barnyard millet [Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv. & Echinochloa colona (L.) Link- Kudhiraivaali] and kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.), teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.)- Varagu

Small millets which can withstand climatic stresses and with superior nutritional quality can play a great role in meeting future food needs, provided proper research is done to enhance their productivity and when the government attach priority to its promotion, leading to enhanced consumption. The multiple malnutrition problems in the country like anaemia, underweight among women and children can be addressed if small millets occupy a definite place in the mainstream diet of the people.

Walkathon-2014

Walkathon is an annual feature of DHAN Foundation organized on a specific theme for every two years. This large scale awareness event was held across different states in the country to reach the message to thousands by involving them in “Walk for a Cause”. DHAN organised Walkathon on January 25, 2014 on the theme of ‘Agricultural Biodiversity and Food Security’, with a focus on small millets, once again which had a overwhelming response from the public.

The event comprised of pre-walkathon events, which commenced well ahead of the walk for the cause event. Essay and drawing competition, poster completion, short film contest, quiz, recipe demonstration and other awareness programmes were held as a part of this event, involving the younger generation and women to the extent possible. The event was held in eighteen different places covering the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Pondicherry. The event involved rally of school students and farmers in the district head quarters followed by exhibition and seminar on the theme. Over 70,000 people including farmers, women and school students participated. Various stakeholders like National Biodiversity Authority, Agriculture department, Animal Husbandry department, Agricultural universities and KVKs participated in the event. Various public and private organisations supported the event by offering various types of sponsorship. Many promotional materials like booklets, pamphlets, posters, etc. were prepared in regional languages and distributed to large number of public.

The Walkathon derived inspiration from and was building on the action research project by name, ‘Revalorising Small Millets in Rainfed Regions of South Asia (RESMISA)’, anchored by DHAN Foundation in India. This project funded by Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF) of IDRC and CIDA, aims to increase production and consumption of nutritious small millets and associated pulse and oil seed crops in rainfed regions of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The findings and insights from the project for the two years, especially on the nutritional features of small millets, products developed and promotional materials prepared like recipe booklets were extensively used in the Walkathon event across the states. The entire Walkathon event was coordinated by Mr. Santhanam, Team Leader, DHAN Foundation.

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

More than 5000 student’s , women members from Kalanjiam Self Help group, general public and likeminded organizations participated in the ‘Walk for the cause’ event, which commenced from Vandiyur Mariamman Theppakulam and gathered for a meeting at Tammukam Grounds, Madurai. The Madurai City Mayor Honorable Mr.Rajan Chellapah, flagged off the procession. The participants in the walk for the cause event had placards depicting importance of small millets and the advantages of including them in out diet, apart from shouting slogans on the same. Speaking on the event the Executive Director of DHAN Foundation expressed that Small millets apart from meeting the nutritional needs of a person, are excellent crops that can withstand and grow even in extreme climactic stress condition, with limited water. Also they prevent many health ailments like blood pressure and diabetic from occurring because their nature of the slow release of sugar upon digestion and high dietary fiber content. Mr.Palanisamy, Programme Leader said that small millets requires very minimal external inputs for cultivation and are resistant to pest and diseases to greater extent. He expressed sorrow over the fact that small millets which remained in the daily diet of rural poor, even four decades ago gradually vanished from their food basket and its consumption is highly restricted only to certain pockets. The Chief General Manager of State bank of India Mr.Sarathi, cautioned about the growing junk fund culture among children due to propaganda in televisions and through other media and necessitated the need for changing the mindset of children towards healthy diet. The children today have a weak body and unable to stand even for ten minutes continuously he added. The speakers at the event also stressed the need for inclusion of small millets under the public distribution system. Mr.B.T.Bangera, Hi-Tech Arroy, Madurai, Mr.R.D.Thulsiraj, Aravind Eye Hospital Madurai and Smt.Sakthi Pursakar Chinnapillai are the other dignitaries who participated in the event. All the DHANites from Madurai also took part in the event.

Dindugul, Tamil Nadu

The Walkathon rally in Dindukal which commenced from Collector Office Camp and ended in Nayudu Mahajana Mahal, Dindugul got inaugurated by the Honorable Distric Collector Mr.N.Venkatachalam , IAS. The event had overwhelming response from the public and students. More than 1000 students from thirteen schools in the district and 800 members from eight Kalanjiam SHG federations participated in the rally apart from the general public. Prior to the event essay, slogan and drawing completion were held to school student sin which 229 students participated and submitted their entries.
Mr.N.Rajendiran, DGM, Canara bank Circle Office, Trichy, Mr.K.Sakthivel, Chief Manager, SBI, Dindugul, Mr.K.Sakthivel, Mr.John Nelson, LDM, Canara Bank, Dindukal, Mr.Manivannan, Chief Manager, Canara bank, Dindukal, Mr.Sundar, Senior Manager, Bank of India, Dindukal and Mr.N.M. B.Kajamohaideen were the dignitaries present during the event.

Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu

The Rainfed Farming Development Programme of DHAN Foundation in Krishnagiri which implements the Revalorizing Small Millets in Rainfed Regions of South Asia (RESMISA) organized Walkathon on 25th Jan, 2014, which comprised of Pre-walkathon and Walkathon events. The Pre-walkathon events were held at school and community level in all location offices of Krishagiri Region. Awareness to school students on small millets were done through presentation and by organizing a exhibition stall with small millets, their value added produce, brochure and recipe leaflets. Essay, drawing and elocution competition were also held as the part of pre walkathon events. Recipe demonstration and awareness through street play and folk songs was also held to the general public as part of the event by which more than 3800 members got benefited.

During the walk for the cause event held on 25th Jan, 2014, more than 800 people went in a procession shouting slogans to promote small millets cultivation and consumption, the rally commenced fro RC boy school and reached Vinayaga Mahal, Krishnagiri witnessed by the general public of Krishnagiri.

In the meeting held at Vinayaga Mahal, Krishnagiri, Mr.Karthikeyan welcomed the participants and gave a brief about walkathon and the theme on which the event is held and its relevance to the present day context. Dr. Anandha Seetharaman, President of the Millet Society, India in his speech said “Millions of living organisms inhabiting the earth depend on each other in one way or other. The human intervention with nature over the years led to decline of the natural agricultural biodiversity, leading to extinction of many precious crop varieties. In this context, the walkathon even held is much relevant and the small millets can play a vital role in ensuring the food and nutritional security of the poor. Following this was the performance of the folk lore team from Centre for development communication which staged a street play and songs on small millet, which stressed their importance in our daily diet. Dr.Ravi, Assistant Director of Agriculure, Krishnagiri, Dr.Jayanthi, ICDS, Dr.Nirmala Kumari, Professor of Plant breeding, TNAU also were present during the event. Mr.Selvakumaran, Regional Coordinator, Gudiyatham delivered the vote of thanks.

Tanjore, Tamil Nadu

The walkathon even in Tanjore District, Tamil Nadu witnessed participation of over 250 school students and 1000 women SHG members. The rally was flagged off by the Mr.Ravichandran, Municipal Commissioner, Tanjore and Mr. Vinsi , Chief Manager, Bank of India. There was a meeting after the rally graced by the presence of Dr.Ram Manohar, District Eco coordinator, Education Department, , Prof Dr.Sugumaran, Prof and Head, Dept. of Biotechnology, Periyar University and Mr.Kameshwar Rao, Senior Manager, Bank of India and other dignitaries . Their speech during the event sensitized the community on importance of small millets and their consumption. As pre walkathon events, essay and drawing competitions were held to the school students.

Nagaipattinam, Tamil Nadu

The Walkathon -2014 rally, in Nagaipattinam was organized with the support thousand’s of participants from schools, colleges, self help group federations and other likeminded organizations. The rally which commenced from Avari Ground near new bus stand was flagged off by Mr. Jothi Muthuramalingam, Inspector of Police, Nagaipattinum and culminated in Lalitha Mahal, where a meeting was held to highlight the significance of the event. Speaking on the event Mr. Suryamurthi, a social activist said that we can lead a disease free life by adapting to traditional food habits, where small millets had a significant place. Mr.Navanitham, Branch Manager, SBI, expressed his pride for participating in the event which created awareness about agricultural biodiversity and food security to school children, college students, women and general public. Mr. Rajasekar, Senior manager, LIC (P&GI scheme) said that is growing incidence of diabetics and other life style diseases pose a threat to the health scenario of the nation, which in turn is due to unethical food habits. Including small millets in our diet can do away with many nutritional problems he added. Mr.Naguveer Prakesh, Director, Kalanjiam community radio spoke that ‘the awareness regarding small millets can be spread through women SHGs, to increase the household consumption’ Mr.Mohanraj, Regional Coordinator, Nagaipattinam Region, Smt.Jeyalakshmi, Branch Manager, Corporation bank, Mr.Punitharaj, Federation coordinator, Karaikal and Mr.Muthuraja, Federation Coordinator, Thirunallar were also present during the event.

Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu

The walk for the cause procession on the theme “Agriculture Bio diversity and Food Security with relevance to small millets” organized in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu on 25th Jan, 2014, had participation of more than 1500 people from schools, colleges and SHG federations. The rally passed through a distance of 2 km from Cuddalore Collector Office campus, through St.Joseph road and Uppalavadi road, gathered at Government Higher Secondary School campus ground. The rally was flagged off by Mr.S.Sankararaman, Chief Manager, SBI, Cuddalore.

The meeting commenced at 11.30 am, had the presence of Mr.S.Sankararaman, Chief Manager,.SBI Cuddalore, Mrs.Anbalazhi, Project Officer, ICDS Cuddalore, Mr.Sasikumar Agriculture Officer ATMA Cuddalore, Federation leaders besides the participants in the rally. Mr.A.Suresh, Regional co ordinator, Cuddalore Region delivered the welcome address and also shared the purpose and focus of the Walkathon -2014. Mr.Sasikumar, Agriculture Officer, Cuddalore spoke on the importance of small millets, its present status and cultivation practices. He stressed the need for reviving small millets, as they are suited to rainfed condition and can be raised organically, with less external inputs. Mrs.Anbalazhi Project Officer from Integrated Child Development Project (ICDS), cuddalore delivered the resource lecture on the nutritional superiority of small millets particularly for woman and children. She also expressed that ICDS is ready for any collaborative work with kalanjiam federations in this regard.

Mr. S.Sankararaman, SBI asked the participants especially the students to discuss regarding the health benefits of small millets with others and also consume the same. A DVD on small millet recipes was released by the hand of chief guest.

A stall with small millets and its value added produce was also organized in the venue.

Pondicherry

Puduvai Vattara Kalanjiam organized walkathon event consecutively for the past two years on the theme “Agricultural Bio Diversity and Food Security” with relevance to small millets on 24th Jan, 2014. The rally inaugurated by Mr. B.Ranganathan, Inspector of Police, Villiyanur and reached Lakshmana Krishna Mahal, where a meeting was scheduled. The propagation of the message was done through auto campaign in front of the rally. Also the participants shouted slogans on advantages of small millet consumption.

The meeting at Lakshmana Krishna Mahal commenced with prayer , lighting of the lamp by Chief Guests and Federation leaders followed by a good Baratha Natiyam performance by Selvi T.Divya. The welcome address was given by Mrs.Geetha, President of Pudhuvai Vattara Kalanjiam and Mr K.Sakthivel, Federation Coordinator shared the significance and purpose of the event.

The special address was given by the chief guest A.Thirunavukarasu, Programme Co-ordinator – NYCF (New Born and Young Child Feeding Foundation ) who explained about malnutrition problem in women and children, and importance of them to remain healthy for developing a good, strong and healthy generation. He also appreciated DHAN’s effort in promoting small millets.

Mrs. J.Shanmugapriya, Dietician, Sri Managula Vinayagar Medical colledge and Hospital, Madhagadipet during her speech highlighted the nutrition value of minor millet and vegetables and the wide range of nutrient they contain including vitamins. She insisted to consume small millets along with vegetables regularly. K.Mohan, Branch Manager, LIC of India, Puducherry appreciated DHAN initiatives and spoke about healthy living. Vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs.Vasantha, Federation Leader. A exhibition stall with small millets was also place in the venue, which had a good sales of 350 kg of different types of small millets in a single day.

Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu

The walkathon even had a participation of over 650 people, students, SHG members and vayalagam members from Thiruthani, Thiruvaalangadu and Poondi. The meeting was held at Dr.Radhakrishnan Government higher secondary school, Thiruthani during which nutritional superiority of small millets and their ability to prevent many life style diseases from occurring was discussed.

Ramanathapurum, Tamil Nadu

The Walkathon even was organized for the fourth time by Mugavai Vattara Kalanjiam, at Ramanathapuram on 25th Jan, 2014. The focus of this year was on Agricultural biodiversity and food security with relevance to small millets, as of last year. The event began with a rally from Raja Higher Secondary School, flagged off by the Honorable District collector, District Chief educational officer and Mr.Anjaneyamoorty, Chief Manager, State bank of India.. The rally had a overwhelming participation of over 2000 persons, students and Kalanjiam SHG members and concluded at Raja Dinakar RC high School, Kennikarai where a meeting was organized. Mr. Pernadic,, District Coordinator of National green crops,Mr.Anjaneyamoorty State bank Of India Chief Manager , Mr.Ganesa pandian teacher, Bro.Sathanantham Head Master of Raja Dinagar RC School, Mr.Vasavalingam Vayalaga Iyyakka Leader Mr.P.Subhuraj Team leader Dhan Foundation, and Mr.Govindan Neithal Movement Leader were present during the meeting and spoke on the importance of small millets cultivation and consumption.

Salem, Tamil Nadu

The Walkathon- 2014 rally on ‘ Agricultural Biodiversity and Food Security with relevance to small millets’ organized by Salem region, witnessed a participation of 1619 members from different schools, colleges and SHG federations in Salem. The rally which commenced from Asthampatti Muniappan Temple, Salem got flagged of by Mr.L.Sureshkumar, Pallavan Grama Bank, Salem, Mr.A.Mohana Perumal, Senior Regional Manager, LIC of India, Salem, Mr.L.Venugopal, Chief Manager, SBI, Salem, Mr.M.S.Mohanakumar, BOI, Salem and by Mrs. T.Sivarani , Regional Coordinator, Salem Region, DHAN Foundation. The rally passed through a distance of three kilometre and reached Sri Vasavi Mahal where a meeting was organized to highlight the importance of the event.

The meeting at Sri Vasavi mahal commenced with lighting of lamp by Mr.D.Ravichandiran, Bank Manager, Indian Bank, Salem, Mrs. S.Gayathiri, Branch Manager, SBI, Salem, Mr. P. Rajmohan, Manager, LIC ( P & GI Scheme), Salem, Mrs.Jeyathi, School Teacher and Selvi.Priyadharshini, School student. The welcome address was given by T.Madheswaren, DHAN Foundation.

Speaking on the event Mrs. Sivarani spoke about the significance and large scale out reach of the message on increasing the cultivation and consumption of small millets, the same being organized across 18 different places in four states in the country. She also spoke on the nutritive value of small millets and about eating healthy foods which was mentioned even in the Tamil ancient literature Thirukural.

The highlight of the event is the speech by the girl students on anaemia, balanced nutrition and benefits of small millets in our diet. Selvi. Gopika spoke about haemoglobin in blood and the health issues in teenage girls, due to anemia. Selvi.Menaka spoke ebout the six type of small millets that nature has bestowed with and their nutritive value and Selvi.Deepkia spoke on balanced nutrition for healthy living.

The junk food culture of the present day generation was mentioned with concern by Mr.P.Rajmohan, Manager, LIC of India, Salem who also stressed the need for educating the youth regarding the same to build a healthy and vibrant society.

The vote of thanks was given by Mrs.S.Pachayammal, Ponnamapettai women SHG federation Leader

Mysore, Karnataka

The walkathon-2014 at Mysore got flagged off by MCC Commissioner P.G.Ramesh, from Palace North gate and ended on the Scouts and Guides ground, Mysore were a grand exhibition with small millets was held along with a meeting. More than 250 varieties of small millet recipes and snacks were kept for display in the venue which attracted many passersby. The event was honored by the presence of Dr.M.A.Saleem, Police Commissioner, Mysore , Dr.Maheshwarappa, Joint Director of Agriculture, Mysore , Dr.B.V.Satheyendra Rao, CFTRI Scientist, Mysore and Mr.Vijakumar, AGM, Corporation Bank, Mysore. Apart from this students from schools, colleges and women SHG federations promoted by DHAN Foundation participated in the event participated in large numbers in the event. Mr.Chanderasekar, Regional coordinator Mysore and other DHANites viz., Lokesh, Sindhu, Krishna and Nadheem made the arrangements to ensure the success of the event.

Vizag, Karnataka

The Walkathon rally held at Vizagapattinum on 25th Jan, 2014, was organized in a grand way in Vizagapattinam Region, which witnessed the participation of over 4000 member in the Walk for the cause. School and college students, NSS Volunteers, members from Sarvodaya, Vikasa, World Vision and Mohision Eye Bank, Officials from agricultural, ICDS, banks Food and nutrition department participated in the event. A exhibition was also organized in which SUHAM Primary Health care, Apolla, Mohisin Eye Bank and stall of women SHG federation with small millet products was displayed.

Besides this walkathon even got held in Tumkur and Gulbarga in Karnataka, and Chitoor District in Mysore, by the respective regions of DHAN Foundation.