Millet possible solution to food crisis: Director
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 23 2024:
A workshop cum training for farmers on cultivation of millets themed 'Significance on Food and Nutritional Security and good Agricultural Practices', was organised under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare by Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) at the farmers' training hall of Directorate of Agriculture Office, Sanjenthong, here, on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture director N Gojendro expressed that with climate change and shortage of water for irrigation purposes, farmers can help bring a solution to the food security crisis by growing millet, one of the highest sources of protein.
He pointed out that many countries have begun cultivating millet due to its climate resistance quality and high nutritional value.
The director then urged the farmers to grow millet in areas where crops are not grown to utilise the space as well as help make the state become self-sufficient, while assuring of providing FIG, FPO and other financial assistance in this regard.
In his address, Agriculture Department project officer Kh Nimaichand informed that total of 300 hectares in the state have been identified for growing millet crops for which around 300 farmers will be selected under the central government's Promotion of Millet scheme.
Informing that the department has set target to expend the millet cultivation area to 350 hectares this year, he urged the farmers to contribute their mite in realising the goal of increasing the millet yield.
The project officer also noted that there are several entrepreneurs producing and making different products, in addition to exporting the same outside the state.
The workshop was attended by deputy director AK Chittaranjan and farmers from various districts.