Srinagar: The Millets Day celebration held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, witnessed a remarkable convergence of agricultural innovation and nutritional awareness. The event, organized by KVK Ganderbal, aimed to promote the importance of millets in sustainable agriculture and their immense potential in addressing food security and nutrition challenges.The programme started with a welcome address by Dr. S. A. Banday, Scientist Horticulture.
In the keynote address, Worthy Director Extension, SKUAST Kashmir, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Chief Guest of today’s programme described the importance of millets as nutrient rich alternatives to high calorie grains in view of lifestyle diseases and obesity pandemic across the World. Prof. Dil Mohd. Makhdoomi called for popularization of production and consumption of major and minor millets across the District as they require less water and less time to grow. He congratulated Team KVK for taking up the programme for knowledge updating and capacity building of farmers
Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Senior Scientist & Head KVK Ganderbal gave a comprehensive overview of significance of Millet cultivation and their huge potential to enhance nutritional status of farmers and improve their socioeconomic condition. He sought active participation of all line departments for smooth implementation of the project Promotion of Millets and Nutricereals in District Ganderbal. Dr. Abidi ensured full support in terms of value addition, branding and formation of FPOs of farmers taking up millet cultivation.
The highlight of the event was the exhibition of cutting-edge drone technology in agriculture which was inaugurated by Worth Director Extension Prof. Dil Mohd. Makhdoomi. Dr.Eajaz A. Dar, an expert in the field, delivered a captivating presentation on the application of drones for precision farming, crop monitoring, and yield optimization. The demonstration of drone technology by Dr. F. A. Ahanger, an expert enthralled the audience by the potential of this technology to revolutionize farming practices and enhance productivity.
In addition to the drone technology display, the event facilitated visits to millet demonstrations laid under various programmes including HADP on millets. Participants had the opportunity to witness firsthand the diverse varieties of millets being cultivated and learn about their cultivation techniques. These demonstrations served as a platform for farmers to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and gain insights into the best practices for millet cultivation.Prof. Ashraf, H.O.D Biotechnology and PI of the project on millets under HADP was highly impressed with the trials laid by KVK Ganderbal and further elaborated talked on millets as food for future generations. He deliberated on the nutritional value, versatility, and ecological benefits of millets, emphasizing their potential in addressing malnutrition and promoting sustainable diets and insisted the farmers to go for crop diversification for livelihood and food security.
Ms. Poonam Sharma, an expert in nutrition and food sciences, shed light on the importance of millets in human diets. Her insightful overview emphasized the health benefits of millets, including their high fiber content, low glycemic index, and gluten-free nature. She emphasized the need to create awareness and promote the consumption of millets for a healthier society.
The seed distribution program, organized on a cluster basis, was a significant aspect of the event. Under the guidance of Director Extension,Prof. Dil Mohd Makhdoomi, quality seedwas distributed to farmers of Ganderbal District. This initiative aimed to encourage farmers to adopt millet cultivation and new varieties of fodder, contributing to food and fodder securityfor sustainable agriculture in the region.Experts and PI’s from HADP fodder deliberated on various aspects of fodder cultivation and its further upliftment in the district. Senior Scientist & Head thanked Director Research and PI’s of HADP on millets for their collaboration and promotion of millets and fodder.
The Millets Day celebration was a resounding success, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, including farmers, scientists, policymakers, and nutritionists. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and the promotion of millets as a key component in achieving food security, sustainable agriculture, and improved nutrition.