Shillong, Sept 5: A two-day event titled “Promotion of Millets Production in India” was organised by North-Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India at Meghalaya Rongali Bihu Auditorium, Shillong on Thursday. The event aims at generating awareness and promote benefits of millets’ consumption to create an upstream effect of increased production by farmers.
B K Sohilya, Advisor cum Chairman, Meghalaya Farmers Empowerment Commission while addressing the farmers and stakeholders emphasized the need for extensive awareness generation on the importance of millets production. He mentioned that millet is a ‘superfood’ in a true sense and should be marketed as a premium product for maximum benefit to farmers. He lauded the efforts being taken by NERAMAC and urged for greater convergence between institutions to make the produce a success.
Commodore Rajiv Ashok (Retd), Managing Director, NERAMAC highlighted the benefits of millet products and reasons to use them as an alternative to rice. He also spoke about the Government of India’s thrust towards this produce over the last few years leading up to the world recognizing it as the International Year of Millets.
M Iboyaima Meitei, Horticulture Advisor, NEC, commended the effort being taken by NERAMAC in the Agri-Horti sector in general and for promotion of millets in specific. He said that the implementation of the FPO Central Sector Scheme by NERAMAC was being done in a manner worthy of emulation. He also mentioned that NEC was fully supportive of endeavours in the sector.
Kayio Kayina, MD NERCORMS, highlighted that millets were always a part of the diet of our ancestors and that it was essential to preserve and promote it for food security, agri-diversity and its nutritious nature.
JC Lyngdoh, Director of Agriculture, Meghalaya said the area under millet cultivation though limited has increased in recent years and that the state government is working in mission mode to ensure a sustainable future with millets.
Millet products that were on display in the stalls set up were the highlights of the event. The entrepreneurs showcased a variety of products including raw millet grains, ready-to-cook items, and ready-to-eat products. Notable highlights of the events included ready-to-eat products like millet malt, cookies, ladoos, millet rusk, ragi namkeen, cakes, wine and others
The event witnessed participation of around 200 beneficiaries, including millet farmers and entrepreneurs from Meghalaya, Assam & Arunachal Pradesh. The event is supported by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
