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ITANAGAR: The faculty of Agriculture Sciences at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) organised a national webinar on Friday on the occasion of the International Year of Millets. Drawing participants from across India, the event served as a pivotal platform for enriching discussions and insights. RGU vice chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha highlights in his address the importance of millets in daily life while emphasising their nutritional value, historical significance, and traditional importance in Indian culture. He urged the people to include millets in their diet for a healthier lifestyle and called for a revival of their use in Indian cuisine. He also spoke about the university's extension activities to reach farmers with information on millets and help them grow and market them sustainably.
Kushwaha further stressed the need for a bottom-up approach to millet research driven by the needs of farmers and consumers, calling for more research on new varieties and recipes. Varsity Registrar Dr. N. T Rikam in his address the crucial role of millets in the context of Arunachal Pradesh, delving into both cultural and nutritional aspects. Finance Officer Prof. Otem Padung urged the scientists to embrace a bottom-up extension approach, underscoring the importance of community engagement for a more meaningful impact. The lineup of expert speakers brought diverse perspectives to the forefront.
Prof. D. K Patagiri, Professor and Head of the Department of Soil Sciences at Assam Agricultural University, initiated discussions on the topic 'Soils of Northeastern India: A Focus on Millet Production.' He delved into the intricacies of different soil types and their implications for millet cultivation. Dr. Pankaj Kumar Shah, Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding from Nagaland University, enriched the audience with insights into the nutritional importance of millets, emphasising the unique aspects relevant to Northeastern India. Dr. Abhinav Kumar, Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist in the Department of Entomology at Bihar Agricultural University, addressed the critical issue of major insect pests affecting millets and proposed effective management strategies.
The webinar emerged as a comprehensive platform for the exchange of knowledge, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainable practices in millet farming and soil health, contributing significantly to the agricultural landscape of Arunachal Pradesh and beyond.
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