Srinagar, July 22: A week-long Karyashala on “Exploring Millets for Dietary Diversification and Environment” was inaugurated at the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST-Kashmir to expand the research base in the country by consolidating scientific training programs, initiating Karyashala and creating opportunities for Training and Skill Internships.
The programme, sponsored by the Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India, began on July 18, and has brought together 25 post-graduate scholars from various faculties of SKUAST-Kashmir and other State Agricultural Universities, the SKUAST-K said in a press release issued here.
The programme focuses on exploring millets as a sustainable crop option for dietary diversification and environmental sustainability.
Dr Raihana Habib Kanth, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-K, was the chief guest for the inaugural session. She enlightened the participants on the significance of millet for dietary diversification and environmental sustainability.
“Millets are resilient crops, adaptable to local weather conditions, making them an integral part of climate change adaptation strategies,” Dr Kanth said. She called for the need to extend the benefits of millet farming to the entire agricultural community in the Kashmir valley.
Dr Amal Saxena, Head of the Division of Agronomy, SKUAST-K, welcomed the guests and participants. He noted that farmers are increasingly incorporating millets into their crop rotations to overcome the effects of climate change.
“Adaptations include using new millet varieties that withstand climate variations, adjusting planting times, employing natural pesticides, and organic fertilizers, and altering cropping patterns,” he said.
Dr Saxena stressed the need for mitigating and adaptation strategies such as intercropping, precision farming, improved tillage, and integrated farming systems to combat the negative effects of climate change.
Dr Amjad Masood, the course director of Karyashala-0491, provided a brief account of the programme, emphasizing its importance in exploring millets for dietary diversification and environmental sustainability.
Dr Lal Singh, Professor in the Division of Agronomy and course coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme has brought together 25 post-graduate scholars from various faculties of SKUAST-Kashmir and other State Agricultural Universities, who are actively participating and deliberating on the themes with experts of repute.
