Closing ceremony programme of International Year of Millets 2023 at RARS, Palem on 30.12.2023

The United Nations has recognized the year 2023 as International Year of Millets. In this connection a series of events are being organized by all the AICRP on Sorghum and millet centres from September 2022 to December 2023. As part of these events, AICRP on Sorghum and Millets, RARS, Palem has organized closing ceremony programme of International Year of Millets 2023 at seminar hall of RARS, Palem on 30.12.2023. In this program Dr. M.Malla Reddy, Associate Director of Research, STZ, RARS, Palem in his introductory remarks emphasized that millets are the traditional crops of Mahabubnagar region which is prone to vagaries of weather as they are climate resilient and urged for increased cultivation of millets; suggested to include them in the dietary pattern of all the people as they are nutritious and healthy. Dr.M.Shankar, Scientist (Ento), RARS, Palem gave lecture on IPM practices to be followed in Millets. Dr.T.Prabhakar Reddy, Programme Co-ordinator, KVK, Palem explained briefly about nutrient management of different Millets. Dr.S.Maheshwaramma, Scientist (Pl.Br.), RARS, Palem briefed about different sorghum varieties released from RARS, Palem and its characters. Dr.D.Shashibushan, Principal Scientist (Pl.Br.), RARS, Palem highlighted about recently released varieties of millets. Dr.M.V.Nagesh Kumar, Principal Scientist (Millets) explained in detailed about International Year of Millets 2023 and its importance and in his words he emphasized need for organization of awareness and demonstrations on value addition to millets for meeting the nutritional security. Dr.C.V.Sameer Kumar, University head (GPBR), College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad explained about uses of millets and stressed on the consumption of millets as main staple diet replacing the conventional rice with various millets for preparation of various breakfast, lunch items such as idli, dosa, pongal etc as they are gluten free and low in calories. Four progressive millet seed production farmers ( Sri.Chandrashekar Reddy from Koilkonda, Sri Sharma from Vattem, Sri Chandra shekar Reddy from Peddakothapalli and Raju from Gummakonda) were felicitated and they have shared their experiences regarding millet cultivation. Millets snacks vi.. ragi laddu, sorghum biscuits and ragi jawa were served Jowar roti, bajra roti were served during the lunch. The programme was ended with vote of thanks by Dr.S.Vanisri, Principal Scientist (Oil seeds), RARS, Palem. About 63 farmers and farm women from Palem, Vattem and Gangaram villages were attended. A total of about 85 participants attended the programme.