Workshop pitches for millets cultivation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 16 2025: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat conducted a 'One-Day Workshop cum Exhibition on Mainstreaming Millets for Food and Nutritional Security' at Loktak Farmers' Hostel, Lamphelpat, on Thursday.

This event, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and held in collaboration with ICAR Agri-Business Incubation Centre, featured Dr Anupam Mishra, vice-chancellor Central Agricultural University, Imphal, as the chief guest.

Dr Mishra highlighted that 2023'has been designated globally as the year of millet, emphasising its nutritional benefits and potential to mitigate climate change.

He underscored millets' nutritional richness, high fibre content, and diverse vitamins and minerals, asserting-their suitability for addressing malnutrition issues, particularly through adoption in midday meal programme, The chief guest further emphasised that widespread cultivation of millets would undoubtedly enhance farmers' income.

Dr Vinay KUmar Mishra, director ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region in Umiam, Meghalaya, emphasised in his address that millet is considered as one of the oldest foods known to mankind and is acclaimed as a superfood due to its ability to thrive on skeletal soil.

In states like Manipur, which has two types of cultivable lands, where the plains have rainfed soils and the sloppy terrain have dry land, is ideal for cultivating such crops by the farmers.

Dr Mishra underscored the importance of integrating millets into daily dietary practices for enhanced health, environmental sustainability, and future well-being, particularly in combating various ailments.

Millets' eco-friendly attributes, thriving in barren soils, requiring minimal water, and exhibiting drought resistance, make them a viable option for augmenting farmers' incomes.

He further advocated for .the widespread adoption of millets in daily diets, which would not only promote their cultivation among farmers but also encourage cultural events and ceremonies to embrace millet products over fast foods.

Ningthoujam Gojendra Singh, director Department of Agriculture, also attended the event as the guest of honour.

After the inaugural function, a technical session along with panel discussion was held, engaging various farmers and experts who shared their thoughts.

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