ICAR-KVK conducts vocational training on Millet
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 27 2024: ICAR-KVK, Churachandpur successfully conducted a five-day vocational training programme and Millet recipe competition as part of the "Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) 100-Days Action Plan" .

The event which concluded on Tuesday with focus on "Value-Added Product Preparation from Millets" was held at New Canaan village and Rani Gaidinliu market in Churachandpur.

Organised under the guidance of ICAR-RC for NEH Region; Manipur Centre head Dr Ramgopal Laha, the training was aimed at educating and empowering the local farmers on the benefits and techniques of millet cultivation and processing.

In his address, ICAR-KVK, Churachandpur senior scientist cum head Dr Manoj Kumar Pandey emphasised the significance of millets in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.

He also highlighted that millets are a low-input crop, resistant to diseases and pests, and reduce dependence on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, making them ideal for increasing self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imported cereal grains.

The programme featured lectures by several resource persons including SMS (agroforestry) Hmannhring Anal elaborating on millet production in India, SMS (horticulture) Ph Chandramani on millet production technology, STO (farm manager) L Basil on future potential of millets as a sustainable food source, SMS (home science) Dr S Roma on importance of incorporating millets into daily diets.

Dr Roma also stated that millets, being whole grains rich in protein, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, offer numerous health benefits, including lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

She also pointed out that millets are gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with celiac disease or those on gluten-free diet.

Participants, including 30 women farmers and 20 rural youths from different villages in Churachandpur district, received hands-on training in preparing various value-added products from millets.

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