IT News
Imphal, Jan 16:
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 Farmer’s Hostel, Lamphelpat, Imphal today. It was sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur in association with ICAR Agri-Business Incubation Centre.
Vice Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal Dr. Anupam Mishra, chiefguest of the function, said that globally the year 2023 has been announced as the year of Millet. Apart from added nutritional value, cultivating Millet widely will play a vital role in combating climate change.
He further stated that Millets, which is considered a nutritious grain with high fibre content along with various vitamins and minerals, is suitable in addressing malnutrition issues by adopting it in midday meal programme. He also stated that cultivation of millets widely will surely help farmers in increasing their incomes.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Mishra, Directorof ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalayain his presidential speech said that the Millet is considered as one of the oldestfoods known to mankind. Considered as a Super food, Millet can be grown on skeletal soil.In a state like Manipur, which has two types of cultivable land where the plains have rainfed soils and the sloppy terrain have dry land which could be highly used in cultivating such crops by the farmers.
He further added that it should be a part of daily food intake for better health,better environment and better future for mankind in fighting certain ailments.Its eco-friendly nature to grow in barren soils, in low water area and drought resistant surface makes it suitable for farmers to earn more income. He also stated that it should be a part of daily diet which will also encourage more farmers to cultivate millets. Festivals and ceremonies should start accepting millet products instead of fast foods.
Director of Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur Ningthoujam Gojendra Singh also graced the function as the guest of honour.
After the inaugural function a technical session along with panel discussionwas also conducted with various farmers where different experts shared their thoughts.