As part of International Year of Millet and Poshan Abhiyaan month, a program on “Sensitization on the Benefits of Millets” was held at Longmatra Village under Longmatra Block, Kiphire organized by the Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU), Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) Longmatra on Friday.
Temjenna Jamir, Subject Matter Specialist, District Agro-Met Unit, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kiphire and Tethsomong, District Functional Specialist, NSRLM as resource persons, spoke on the topics “Importance of Millets and its Health Benefits” and “Types of Millets and its Value Addition” respectively.
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Speaking on the topic Temjenna Jamir said that Millet is a low maintenance and drought-resistant grain and thus there are very less chances of loss during its seasons. She explained that the grain is considered a super food because its wide nutritional benefits in our diet. Millet is gluten free and thus easily digestible, not only that it is ideal for controlling diabetes, blood sugar, cholesterol levels and also reduces inflammation, Jamir added.
She also remarked that apart from its health benefits, millet can be used in varied cuisines and dishes. Jamir further informed that millions of people can rely on it for food and income because it is grown for both food and fodder purposes, making it an important part of farming’s economic efficiency.
Tethsomong, in his power point presentation, highlighted the different types of millet and pointed out that Foxtail Millet are mostly grown in Kiphire. He also shared several value-added products of millet like biscuits and cakes etc and said that a wide range of value-added products can be prepared from millet.
He mentioned that there are many varieties of millets which can be grown with lesser labour as compared to any other crops. Tethsomong encouraged the farmers that millet cultivation can serve as a source of good livelihood income.
During the program, BMMU Longmatra identified the maximum production in millet among the self help group member and recognized them with a certificate and prize. The first prize was awarded to Shenethsi of Tutheze Village and second was awarded to Thronginthsi of Pongren Village.
Earlier, Atsope, Block Project Manager, NSRLM Longmatra delivered a welcome address and Z T Atsoba, Block Co-ordinator, Poshan Abhiyaan highlighted on “Poshan Maah”. Tsalichem, Area Coordinator, NSRLM Longmatra chaired the program, while invocation was pronounced by Longmatra Shenshethsi, President VLO, Longmatra Village. Vote of thanks was delivered by Yanglikohpong, AC, NSRLM Longmatra.
