PASIGHAT, 21 Mar: A two-day national conference on ‘Millets and forgotten foods: Reviving traditions for nutritional security and ecological sustainability in agriculture’, along with a farmers’ expo, being organised by Hyderabad (Telangana)-based Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) and New Delhi-based National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, got underway at the College of Agriculture (CoA) here in East Siang district on Friday.
The main aim of the conference is to highlight the importance of millets and millet-based value-added products in enhancing food security, and to promote sustainable millet cultivation in the Northeast region. The event witnessed the presence of policymakers, researchers, and farmers.
Addressing the participants, CoA Assistant Professor Dr Premaradhya and IIMR scientist Dr Sangappa presented a brief on the programme’s objectives and significance.
A highlight of the first day was the inauguration of a millet processing unit and a value addition lab funded by the IIMR, followed by discussions on millet-based innovations, policy frameworks and ecological sustainability.
The conference also featured an insightful talk by Agriculture Minister Gabriel Denwang Wangsu.
IIMR Director Dr C Tara Satyavathi shared a video message, highlighting the ongoing millet research initiatives at the IIMR, emphasising the institute’s commitment to advancing millet cultivation.
Imphal (Manipur)-based CAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Anupam Mishra also shared a video message and commended the collaborative efforts of researchers, farmers, and stakeholders in promoting millet cultivation and innovation.
The event featured special invitees such as former ATARI (Guwahati) director Dr AK Tripati, IIMR project coordinator Dr Madhusudhana, East Siang DC Tagi Taggu, IAS officer Somalika Jiwani, Pasighat MLA Tapi Darang, and state BJP president Kaling Moyong, all of whom elaborated the importance of millets.
The release of a special millet publication and the launch of an MPMoS dashboard during the event marked a significant step towards advancing millet promotion and research. Scientists from IIMR engaged with farmers during a farmers-scientists interaction which provided an opportunity to the farmers to learn and engage directly with experts.
During the event, soil kits were distributed and demonstrated to the farmers, helping them understand proper soil testing techniques and best practices for improving soil health.
As a part of the farmers’ expo, the event featured millet stalls along with other stalls showcasing various other commodities. FPOs promoted by the IIMR participated in the event by setting up a stall showcasing their value-added millet and other natural products. These stalls provided a platform for farmers, researchers, and industry experts to exchange knowledge, explore innovative farming techniques and discover market opportunities.
CoA Dean Dr BN Hazarika and CoA Assistant Professor Dr Pavan Kumar Goudar also spoke.
