ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Imphal organized a “One Day Workshop Cum Exhibition on Mainstreaming Millets for Food and Nutritional Security" on 16th January 2025.
Dr. Anupam Mishra, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal was the Chief Guest; Dr Vinay Kumar Mishra, Director,
ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya was the President and Shri. Ningthoujam Gojendro Singh, Director, Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur graced as the Guest
of Honour and Dr. Ramgopal Laha, Head of ICAR RC NEHR, Manipur Centre as the podium member of the inaugural programme. Dr. Ph. Ranjit Sharma, Director, Directorate of Extension Education, CAU,
Imphal and Dr Ng. Iboyaima Singh, Dean College of Food Technology, CAU, Imphal also attended as eminent dignitaries during the inaugural function.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Dr. Anupam Mishra stated that millet is not only nutritious but also address the issue of climate change.
Dr. Mishra mentioned that there is a need for nutritional profiling of the local cultivars and should be registered in PPVFRA for promotion. The processing and market linkages of millet in the
region need to be upgraded.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Mishra addressed the gathering by mentioned that millets should be a part of the daily diet to encourage farmers to grow more millets.
There is a need for proper research and documentation of indigenous millets found in the region.
Shri. Ningthoujam Gojendro Singh expressed that though millets have lot of nutritional health benefits, it has been sidelined. Millet should be a part
of the sustainable development to boost the economy of the small and marginal farmers of the state.
Dr. Ramgopal Laha, Head of ICAR RC NEHR, Manipur Centre stated that this workshop cum expo is a generous step to bridge the gap and to provide synergy
between institutions and millets growers and entreprenurs and to find a roadmap and policy for millet for the state of Manipur and the NE region as a whole.
Dr. Kh. Rishikanta Singh, Senior Scientist (Agricultural Economics) and Organizing Secretary of the workshop stated that Millets as superfoods outshine
wheat and rice in many aspects. Over the last 2 to 3 years a number of entrepreneurs have come up with various value added and processed products of millets by initiatives of state department, ICAR,
CAU, KVKs and other agencies. The need of the hour is the awareness creation, exposure and institutional support to the millet growers and entrepreneurs and startups.
A technical session was conducted with resource persons from Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, Telangana; College of Food Technology, CAU,
Imphal and ICAR RC NEHR, Manipur Centre, Imphal.
A panel discussion was also held with experts from ICAR; College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal; State Agriculture Department and College of Food Technology,
CAU, Imphal. An exhibition was also held with participation of various institutions and entrepreneurs from across the state. The programme was attended by Scientist and staff of ICAR Manipur Centre, Professors
and faculty from College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal; College of Food Technology, CAU, Imphal; officers from Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur; officers from Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation,
Government of Manipur; Senior Scientist & Head and staff of various Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s of the state, progressive farmers, entrepreneurs, research scholars and students participated in the workshop.
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