The Faculty of Agriculture at Wadura, SKUAST-Kashmir, recently launched a comprehensive week-long workshop titled "Exploring Millets for Dietary Diversification and Environment," aimed at advancing the nation's research capabilities in agricultural sciences. Sponsored by the Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Government of India, this initiative commenced on July 18 with the participation of 25 post-graduate scholars hailing from SKUAST-Kashmir and several other State Agricultural Universities, as detailed in a press release from SKUAST-K.
At the heart of the workshop lies a concerted effort to delve into millets as a sustainable agricultural option, poised to enrich dietary diversity and champion environmental sustainability. Dr. Raihana Habib Kanth, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at SKUAST-K, assumed the role of chief guest during the inaugural session, underscoring the pivotal role of millets in these critical domains.
Dr. Kanth emphasized, "Millet crops exhibit remarkable resilience and adaptability to local weather conditions, making them indispensable for climate change adaptation strategies." She advocated for broadening the scope of millet cultivation across the agricultural landscape of the Kashmir valley to maximize its benefits.
Dr. Amal Saxena, Head of the Division of Agronomy at SKUAST-K, extended a warm welcome to guests and participants, highlighting the increasing integration of millets into crop rotations among farmers as a proactive measure against the impacts of climate change. "Farmers are embracing new millet varieties that are resilient to climate fluctuations, adjusting planting schedules, and adopting natural pesticides, organic fertilizers, and modified cropping patterns," Dr. Saxena elaborated.
Emphasizing the urgency of tackling climate change, Dr. Saxena stressed the importance of implementing mitigation and adaptation strategies such as intercropping, precision farming, improved tillage practices, and integrated farming systems.
Dr. Amjad Masood, the course director of Karyashala-0491, provided a comprehensive overview of the workshop's objectives, highlighting its critical role in exploring the potential of millets for dietary diversification and environmental sustainability. In closing remarks, Dr. Lal Singh, Professor in the Division of Agronomy and course coordinator, expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation and insightful discussions among the 25 post-graduate scholars from SKUAST-Kashmir and other State Agricultural Universities.The workshop serves as a platform for fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative research approaches among scholars and experts, aiming to propel advancements in millet agriculture for sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
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