Training-cum-interface meeting on advanced cultivation and importance of Millet (Shri Anna)

8th February 2023, Jabalpur

The ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur organized a “Training –cum-interface meeting on advanced cultivation and importance of Millet (Shri Anna) under Scheduled Castes sub-plan (SCSP) here today.

The Chief guest, Dr. G.K. Koutu, Director Research Services, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur spoke about the importance of millets under changing climate and their role in human health and informed that millet will be a superfood in future. He also talked about the GI tags given to some of the locally cultivated millet varieties of Madhya Pradesh to boost the economic value.

During a farmers-scientist interaction, Dr. Koutu also briefed about “JK 147” Kodo variety; “Sitani” and “JK 4” Kutki varieties developed by JNKVV, Jabalpur, and urged to cultivate these varieties to get more profit.

Dr J.S. Mishra, Director, ICAR-DWR spoke about the millet cultivation techniques which are environment friendly and highly profitable.

Dr. S.S. Shukla, Professor & Head, Dept. of Food Science & Technology, JNKVV, Jabalpur briefed the farmers about processed products from millets, millet processing plants, processing methods, and formation of FPOs to get more benefits. He also urged the farmers to adopt millet in their daily diet to improve the health benefits.

 Dr. P.K. Singh, Programme Coordinator informed the farmers about the diversity in cultivating millets throughout India and their importance. He also briefed about the celebration of “International Year of Millets” and the role of ICAR in celebrating the “International Year of Millets”.

Farmers were urged to cultivate the millets through advanced production technologies in  larger areas and include millet products in their diet.

More than 120 participants including farmers from different villages of Kundam, Sihora, Shahpura and Panagar localities, Jabalpur (M.P.), Scientists, Subject Matter Specialists from KVK, State Agricultural Officers and other stakeholders were participated in the programme.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur)