Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte
Churachandpur, April 23 2022: A one-day awareness campaign on "Millet Production for Increasing Farm Income" was organised at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Churachandpur ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region on Saturday under the patronization of Dr 1 Meghachandra Singh, joint director, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, and Dr L Somendro Singh, Head in-charge, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Churachandpur.
The programme was part of the mega campaign on Annadata Bhava under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava.
It was attended by MK Elizabeth, DAO, Churachandpur as chief guest.
In his address, Dr L Somendro Singh explained that millet has multi dimensional advantages over and above other crops, apart from serving as drought and pest resistance, adding that it can survive harsh environmental conditions.
These benefits has been derived from its genetic composition and physical structure viz, its small size and hardness.
They (millets) are richer in vitamins, especially vitamin B, iron, phosphorous and many other key micro nutrients.
Besides, the plants are gluten- free alternatives to finer cereals which make them alkaline rather than acidic in nature, Dr L Somendro further explained.
Speaking at the event, MK Elizabeth highlighted that millets can grow in poor quality soil and create good plan B for food security.
With the growing population and the climate change, food security may become an issue in the future.
Millet has important nutritional values for a healthy living, she added.
The inaugural session ended with a vote of thanks from Dr N Soranganba, CTO, KVK Churachandpur.
Altogether, 56 farmers including 19 females from different villages of Churachandpur participated in the awareness programme.
During the technical session, resource person and subject matter Specialist (plant protection) Dr N Johnson Singh talked about millet varieties, package of practice, seed production technologies and pest and disease management.
Later, Dr L Somendro delivered a lecture on soil and nutrients management for millet with special emphasis on Churachandpur district.