Ganderbal: Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) organised a seminar “Neglected and Underutilized Crops: millet”, for the students and the faculty at varsity’s Nunar Science campus here Tuesday.
Former Professor cum chief scientist, Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Zeerak, former Professor and head Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Prof. Inayatullah Tahir, Dean School of Life Sciences, Prof. M Yousuf, Deptt Nodal Officer, Prof. Azra N Kamili, Head Biotechnology Deptt, Dr. Abid Hamid Dar, organising secretary, Dr. Rafiq Lone, faculty members and students were also present.
In her welcome address, Prof. Azra N Kamili, said on the recommendations of the Government of India, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets on 5th March, 2021, and the Central University has been conducting various awareness programmes and activities to inform the students and the masses about the health benefits of the millets. She said the millets were the first crop to be domesticated in India with several evidences during Indus valley civilizations, adding that once it was a staple food in traditional Indian cooking and now is making a slow comeback in the kitchens of the country.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Zeerak, in his presentation on “Promoting, Development and Commercialisation of neglected and underutilised crops and species of Kashmir Himalaya said that there is an urgent need to start commercialisation of the neglected and underutilized crops for the attaining the food security. He also discussed the locally available vegetables, crops, fruits and cereals and underscored the need to preserve their germplasm.
Prof. Inayatullah Tahir, in his presentation on “Forgotten yesterday remembered today: Millets as smart crops in achieving sustainable agriculture and global food security,” highlighted the importance of millets as a superfood for optimal health. He further said that millet cultivation and its subsequent usage fulfils several sustainable development goals, already identified by the United Nations.
Prof. Muhammad Yousuf said that Millets can provide nutritional security and act as a shield against nutritional deficiency, especially among children and women. He further said that India produces all the nine commonly known millets and is the largest producer and fifth-largest exporter of millets in the world.
Dr. Abid Hamid Dar, said that with growing concerns of lifestyle diseases among the masses, the consumers are slowly, but increasingly looking at the nutrient rich millets as a suitable alternative to wheat and rice.
Organising secretary, Dr. Rafiq Lone who conducted the programme proceedings, said that as the global agri-food systems are facing challenges to feed the growing population, cereals like millets can provide an affordable and nutritious option, and therefore efforts are needed to scale up its cultivation. Asst Prof. Dr. Shaiesta Shah proposed the vote of thanks.

KR Desk