GUWAHATI: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has initiated a series of measures in augmenting millet production in Assam to commemorate the International Year of Millets 2023.
A Millets Day was organized by NABARD at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalashetra here, which was attended by Dr CV Ratnavathi, Director of the Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), Hyderabad; Vincent MD, CGM of SBI, Guwahati; Rajesh Bora, Zonal Manager, Central Bank of India; BC Bora, Member of Assam Agriculture Commission along with other dignitaries.
According to a press release, around 250 farmers across the State attended the event. Naveen Dhingra, Chief General Manager of NABARD, Assam, in his address highlighted NABARD's role in last four decades towards enabling, energizing and empowering the agricultural and rural eco-system of India. He said that NABARD, Assam Regional Office has drawn its perspectives on millets keeping in view the Central Government's push for millets to commemorate the launching of International Year of Millets 2023. He emphasized on the urgent need to create awareness on the health benefits of millets, which are rich in minerals, nutrients, protein and fibres.
Dhingra said that NABARD is in tune with the objectives and key focus of Assam Millets Mission (AMM) of the State Government to address the nutritional needs of population of the State in general and for women and children in particular. He referred to a threadbare discussion on the theme 'Value Chain of Millets- Issues and Challenges in Assam' in the 'Regional Advisory Group' meeting on farmers' issues, with close coordination of various stakeholders, regarding sector-specific issues for policy formulation, implementation and development of infrastructure, credit linkage and marketing etc.
A few districts in Assam have substantial area for millet cultivation, production and productivity. Various issues in cultivation, production and marketing of millets in Assam, notably due to less awareness about millet value chain, limited availability of quality seed, low level of mechanization, low local demand leading to non-remunerative prices to farmers, lack of processing facilities and post-harvest management, are likely to be addressed through implementation of model millet projects in 23 districts covering 1,150 farmers in the State by NABARD.
The dignitaries highlighted the nutritional benefits of millet and ease of cultivation for a self-sufficient economy. The bankers urged upon the farmers on judicious use of bank loan in augmenting high value millet production. On the occasion, 23 sanction letters were distributed to Project Implementing Agencies in 23 districts for implementing Model Millet Project in Assam. A booklet, titled 'Konidhan: The Millets of Assam', was released and a video film was also launched by NABARD.
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