Khadar Vali urges farmers to stop using fertilizers

Khadar Vali, known as the 'Millet Man of India,' spoke to farmers in Anantapur during the Millets Mela—2025. He urged them to stop using fertilisers and change farming practices. Vali criticized government subsidies for fertilisers and the public distribution of rice. During the event, he suggested removing the Goods and Services Tax on millets and establishing minimum support prices for all types of millets. He praised 18 NGOs for organizing the festival to raise awareness about millets. Vali highlighted the need for government support in processing millets, explaining it would be more cost-effective than current fertiliser subsidies. He also shared tips on cooking millet food, advocating the use of earthen pots for better health. Other speakers included the District Agriculture Officer, who discussed farmer services, and a representative from Acharya N.G. Ranga Agriculture University, who encouraged growing millets with lower costs and better health benefits. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) shared its support programs for farmers. Additionally, a local leader called for farmer producer organizations to unite and create a brand for their products.