Three-Day Training Program on “Millet Production and Processing under Changing Climate Scenarios” Concludes at ICAR-RCER

Patna : he three-day Farmer Training Program on “Millet Production and Processing under Changing Climate Scenarios,” organized by the ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region (RCER), Patna, concluded on September 18, 2024. The program, sponsored by ATMA, Gaya, Bihar, aimed to train farmers with practical knowledge on millet cultivation and processing techniques to improve their resilience under changing climate conditions.

During the valedictory session, Dr. Anup Das, Director of ICAR-RCER, Patna, emphasized the critical role that millet cultivation can play in addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity and climate change. He highlighted the ability of millets to thrive under drought conditions, making them a vital crop for ensuring food and livelihood security in vulnerable regions. Dr. Das also stressed the importance of crop diversification and integrated farming systems as essential strategies for maintaining a continuous supply of food and nutrition, while also ensuring income stability for farmers. He encouraged the participants to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of drip irrigation and mulching, particularly in water-stressed areas like Gaya, where water conservation is key to improving agricultural productivity.

Dr. Ashutosh Upadhyaya, Head of the Division of Land and Water Management (DLWM), Patna, further elaborated on the nutritional benefits of millets, particularly their role in preventing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity. He emphasized that the low glycemic index and high dietary fiber content of millets make them an ideal food for promoting long-term health.

Dr. A. K. Choudhary, Head (I/C) of the Division of Crop Research (DCR), Patna, provided an insightful overview of the current status of millet cultivation in India. He advised the farmers to consider growing millets in drought-prone areas of Bihar, particularly in districts like Jehanabad, Gaya, and Nawada, where water scarcity poses a significant challenge to traditional crop cultivation.

Dr. Ujjwal Kumar, Head of the Division of Social Science and Extension Education (DSEE), focused on the marketing potential of millets. He pointed out that millets are increasingly being sold as part of multigrain products in the market, which has boosted their demand. He encouraged farmers to align their cultivation strategies with market trends, emphasizing that a shift towards millet cultivation could open up new avenues for income generation.

Dr. Kamal Sarma, Head of the Division of Livestock and Fishery Management (DLFM), reiterated the importance of integrating millets into daily diets due to their rich nutritional content, particularly in dietary fibers. He advised farmers to not only grow millets but also to incorporate them into their own meals, promoting healthier eating habits within rural communities.

An interactive feedback session was also conducted during the program, allowing farmers to share their experiences and challenges. The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many farmers expressing satisfaction with the training content and its practical applications.

At the beginning of the valedictory session, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, the Course Director, presented a comprehensive report on the training program, summarizing its key activities and outcomes.

The valedictory session was coordinated by Dr. Dhiraj Kumar Singh. Dr N Bhakta, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Dr. P. K. Sundaram, Dr. Kumari Shubha, Dr. Abhishek Kumar Dubey, and Mr. Sanjay Rajput were also present during the program.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Abhishek Kumar Dubey. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Director, Heads, participants, organizers, and resource persons for their collective efforts in making the training a success.

The valedictory session marked the successful conclusion of the training program, leaving the participating farmers well-prepared to embrace millet cultivation and processing as a viable strategy for sustainable agriculture in the context of a changing climate.