Agartala, August 27: The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), a central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, has initiated a two-day program titled “Promoting Millet or Shree Anna Production in India” at the College of Agriculture, Lembuchera, Agartala. The aim of this program is to create awareness about the benefits of millet and to encourage farmers to cultivate millet. Experts and farmers from various parts of the state were present at the event.
Millet or Shree Anna, once a staple crop in this region, has seen a decline in cultivation. However, grains like jowar, bajra, and ragi are very beneficial for health. At one time, they were part of a balanced diet, consumed occasionally. But with the gradual decrease in their consumption, interest in their production and cultivation has also waned. Therefore, efforts are underway to provide farmers with the necessary infrastructure and agricultural expert advice to revive interest in cultivating such food grains. This is also aimed at increasing farmers’ income.
Various speakers at the event highlighted this issue. NERAMAC MD Commodore Rajiv Ashok discussed the main topic at the beginning of the program. He emphasized the health benefits of including millet in the diet. Stressing the importance of promoting this healthy aspect, he said that once people understand this, interest in these food grains will increase again.
Arunbhai Patel, Dean of the College of Fisheries, said that millet will not only reduce dependence on rice and wheat but also increase the market for millet if people become more aware. This will ultimately benefit farmers. Dr. Debashis Sen, Principal of the Agricultural College, said that the region’s climate is highly suitable for millet cultivation. That’s why such crops were cultivated here in the past. Addressing the farmers, he said that the agricultural college will provide all kinds of assistance in increasing the cultivation of these crops. Referring to the project undertaken with NABARD on millets, he said that there is a need to justify the need for processing units based on production.
Anil S. Kotmire, General Manager of NABARD, emphasized the need to create widespread awareness about the importance of bajra production among farmers and stakeholders. He urged farmers and entrepreneurs to understand the importance of using bajra themselves and work towards increasing production through it.
Nearly 200 people, including millet farmers and entrepreneurs from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura, participated in the program. Various machines and other equipment required for millet cultivation were displayed by the Agricultural College.
