ICAR-KVK’s Millet Farming Skills Workshop: A Vocational Training Opportunity

 

ICAR-KVK Churachandpur recently wrapped up a five-day training program and millet recipe competition as part of the "ICAR 100-Days Action Plan." The event, which concluded on Tuesday, focused on creating value-added products from millets and was held at New Canaan Village and Rani Gaidinliu Market in Churachandpur.

Under the guidance of Dr. Ramgopal Laha, head of the ICAR-RC for NEH Region Manipur Centre, the training aimed to teach local farmers about the benefits and techniques of growing and processing millets.

Dr. Manoj Kumar Pandey, Senior Scientist and Head at ICAR-KVK Churachandpur, emphasized the role of millets in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable farming. He pointed out that millets are easy to grow, resistant to diseases and pests, and require fewer synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, making them a great choice for improving self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imported grains.

The program featured several expert talks:

• Hmannhring Anal, SMS (Agroforestry), discussed millet production in India.
• Ph Chandramani, SMS (Horticulture), covered millet production technology.
• L Basil, STO (Farm Manager), explored the future potential of millets as a sustainable food source.
• Dr. S. Roma, SMS (Home Science), highlighted the benefits of including millets in daily diets.

Dr. Roma explained that millets are nutritious whole grains, rich in protein, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. They can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and are gluten-free, making them suitable for people with celiac disease or those on a gluten-free diet.

The training also provided hands-on experience to 30 women farmers and 20 rural youths from various villages in Churachandpur district, teaching them how to make a variety of value-added millet products.

 

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