Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 24/23

NABARD ORGANIZED DISTRICT LEVEL WORKSHOP ON MILLETS

District Level workshop on Celebration of International Year of Millets-2023 was organized by NABARD in collaboration with KVK,South Garo Hills,Chokpot at the premises of KVK,South Garo Hills,Chokpot on 09 February 2023.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Khelchandra Chongtham, DDM, NABARD informed that the year 2023 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Millet, following a proposal by Government of India with the aim to create awareness and increase production and consumption of millets. Mr.Chongtham also informed that in addition to many health benefits, millets are also good for the environment with low water and input requirements.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr.Athokpam Haribhushan,Senior Scientist and Head,KVK,South Garo Hills,Chokpot highlighted different projects and schemes to be implemented by KVK South Garo Hills in 2023 and requested the farmers to take the opportunity and work hard for increasing the productivity of millets in the district.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Aiarson K. Sangma, ADO, Chokpot stated that the Department of Agriculture has taken steps to collect and conserve the indigenous germplasm of local millets and are also creating awareness and distributing inputs to increase the area, production and productivity of millets in Meghalaya.

Speaking on the Occasion, Shri.Shidartha Waikhom,BM,SBI,Chokpot Branch explained about loans and advances given to SHGs and farmers and appealed them to avail such facilities from SBI.

During the worskshop, Shri Rike Chelchak A. Sangma SMS (Agronomy) and Dr. Tanya R. Marak, SMS (Plant Protection), KVK South Garo Hills delivered lectures on Organic Package of Practices of Finger Millets and Insect pest and diseases of finger millets respectively. The workshop was attended by officials from Agriculture department, horticulture department, SBI Chokpot, KVK staffs, NRLM staffs and farmers from different villages.