Srinagar: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and Kheti Virasat Mission (KVM), on Tuesday organised a national seminar on the role of millets in promoting health, sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.
The seminar, titled “Millets for One Health: Building Healthy Ecosystems, Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems,” was held at the Shalimar Convention Centre and drew 755 participants, including around 350 farmers and Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) members from across Jammu and Kashmir.
Scientists, medical professionals, students, entrepreneurs, policymakers and researchers also participated in the event, which focused on the contribution of millets to nutrition, food security, climate-resilient farming, ecological agriculture and rural livelihoods.
Padma Shri awardee Dr Khader Vali, popularly known as the “Millet Man of India”, attended as chief guest and highlighted the nutritional and environmental benefits of traditional grains. He stressed the need to promote greater awareness and consumption of millet-based diets.
Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai said the university was working to integrate research, education, extension and entrepreneurship to address emerging challenges in agriculture and public health. He highlighted ongoing initiatives in One Health, natural and organic farming, herbal resources and sustainable agriculture, including efforts to establish a Centre of Excellence on One Health and medicinal herbs.
Ganai also called for wider adoption of biopesticides, bio-based technologies and artificial intelligence in agriculture.
Director SKIMS and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government, Prof M Ashraf Ganie, underscored the importance of closer collaboration between agricultural and medical institutions in addressing issues related to food, nutrition and health.
Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, Khalid Jahangir, emphasised the need to maintain food quality and safety standards across the production, processing and consumption chain.
Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS and Principal SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, Prof Fazlul Qadir Parray highlighted the importance of promoting awareness about traditional nutritious foods and healthy dietary habits, particularly among younger generations.
Executive Director of Kheti Virasat Mission, Umendra Dutt, spoke on the importance of soil health, biodiversity conservation and preserving traditional agricultural knowledge systems.
In his welcome address, Prof Parmeet Singh of SKUAST-K stressed the need to strengthen linkages between scientific institutions and farming communities and improve mechanisms for translating research into practical outcomes at the field level.
A key feature of the seminar was the participation of around 350 farmers and FPO members, who interacted with experts on millet cultivation, processing, food safety, value addition and marketing opportunities. Discussions also focused on millet-based products, branding, packaging and entrepreneurship development.
