Commemorating ‘International Year of Millets,’ GPB department of School of Agricultural Sciences & Rural Development (SASRD), Nagaland University, organised a farmers awareness programme on March 10 in Saijang village under Peren district.
An update from SASRD: NU stated that Dr. Pankaj Kumar Shah, assistant professor and coordinator of millets scheme under GPB department, has emphasised on the nutritional importance of millets. He stated that millets have been regarded as nutri-cereals owing to its richness in nutrition.
Dr. Shah pointed out that millets are high in dietary fibre, devoid of gluten and also good sources of minerals and vitamins, which are needed for normal functioning of human body. He also informed that a primary processing unit for millets is being established at SASRD, NU, Medziphema, so that initial processing and value addition of millets could be done. He further informed on the role of government of India to globalise the importance of millets by celebrating 2023 as ‘International Year of Millets’ by United nations.
Speaking with the farmers Dr. T. Gohain, professor of Agronomy at SASRD, reminisced that millets are smart crops since they are helpful in conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Dr. Gohain highlighted the package of practices and scientific production technology of finger millets and foxtail millets.
After the programme, farmers were provided with inputs such as quality seeds of foxtail millets and small implements.
It mentioned that a series of such events are being organised across the nation to celebrate the year 2023 as ‘International Year of Millets.’
It stated that around 50 farmers and farm women actively participated in the event.
