Patna, February 9: The ‘Prakritika 2026’ event was inaugurated in Patna’s Patliputra. The primary aim of this initiative is to raise awareness among urban residents about organic farming and natural lifestyles. Farmers from various states have set up stalls to inform visitors about their organic products and the benefits of organic Agriculture.
Anshu, a woman farmer from a small village in Samastipur district, shared her experience in agriculture. “I not only sustain my livelihood through farming but also strive to improve my health and that of my community. I’ve realized that a significant portion of my hard-earned income goes towards medical expenses. This realization inspired me to view farming not just as a means of production but as a pathway to a healthier life. Therefore, I have adopted organic farming, multi-crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and natural methods. I aim to demonstrate to people in my village that if done correctly, farming can enhance both our 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 motivate farmers to revive these seeds and provide them to those who lack access. Our traditional seeds, which once defined 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 noted that while people once regarded millet as food for the poor or birds, awareness about its nutritional value is growing. Urban residents are also beginning to embrace it, leading to increased interest in including it in their diets.
Another woman farmer, Nikki, highlighted the festival’s focus on food diversity. “When we refer to a food festival, we celebrate traditional cuisines. This includes Bihar’s traditional dishes, as well as presentations from other states. We have received contributions from around 20 states. The stalls also showcase seeds, emphasizing Bihar’s traditional recipes while bringing together traditional foods from across the country. This festival is a collective celebration of our nation’s culinary heritage.”