A workshop cum awareness programme on “Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Health and Nutritional Security” under Schedule Caste Sub-Plan was organized at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Selsura, District Wardha of Maharashtra State on 23rd March 2023. It was organized with the local support from KVK, Selsura. A total of 130 participants comprising farmers and organizers were the part of the programme. Women farmers also participated proactively in the event. Dr. Jivan Katore, Project Co-ordinator, KVK, Selsura Chaired the programme. Shri. Rahul Kardile (IAS), Collector of Wardha District was the Guest of Honor and Dr. Sunil Gomashe, OIC, ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station, Akola was the chief guest of the program. Other Dignitaries in the program were Dr. R. S. Zadode, Dr. P.R. Dhumal, Dr. N. S. Wazire, Dr. S. M. Mule, Subject Matter Specialists of KVK, Selsura.
Shri. Rahul Kardile, Collector Wardha District addressed the farmers and urged them to use the millet Genetic Resources for their nutritional Security and crop diversification. He also asked farmers groups to start the millets processing and value addition units with the help of KVK and ICAR Institutes. Dr. P. R. Dhumal, SMS (Home Science) provided the information on nutritional benefits of the millets (Shree Anna) and preparation of balanced diets using millets for health security. Dr. Sunil Gomashe apprised the farmers about the importance of conserving our traditional crops like millets. He also asked farmers to come forward to utilize the endless opportunities in millets crops production and value chain with the commencement of International Year of Millets-2023. Dr. Jivan Katore, PC, KVK in his address gave details of package of practices for millet crop production and avenues for processing, branding and value chain development. He also informed the farmers the activities planned by KVK Selsura during 2023 for promotion of millets. Dr. Ankita Angaitkar and Dr. R. S. Zadode coordinated the event and proposed the vote of thanks. The farmers in their talk expressed thanks to ICAR-NBPGR and KVK, Selsura for organizing the programme and assured to take up the cultivation of these nutritious and climate resilient crops (Shree Anna) on their farm collectively/in groups. ICAR-NBPGR displayed the diversity collected in millets, oilseeds, okra, pulses and potential crops. A kit consisting of vegetable seed packets, Trichoderma viridae bio-fungicide, PSB Biofertilizer, vermi-compost and Plastic Ghamela were distributed to 100 beneficiary Schedule Caste Community farmers from different villages of Wardha District. From ICAR-NBPGR, project staff Shri. Nandan Tayade (JRF) Shri. Pradip Wankhede (Pro Asst.), Shri. Pavan Wathore (Pro Asst.), Shri. Akshay Shendre and Shri. Vaibhav Paturde made arrangements for PGR diversity exhibition and kit distribution.
(Source : Dr Sunil Shriram Gomashe, ICAR-NBPGR, RS Akola)
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