SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 22:
The 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), organised a National Seminar on “Millets for One Health: Building Healthy Ecosystems, Climate-Resilient Agriculture & Sustainable Food Systems” at the Shalimar Convention Centre.
The seminar brought together 755 participants, including around 350 farmers and FPO members from different districts of Jammu and Kashmir, besides scientists, medical professionals, faculty, students, entrepreneurs and policymakers. The deliberations covered the role of millets in food systems, climate-resilient agriculture, food safety, ecological farming and livelihoods.
Padma Shri awardee Dr. Khader Vali, popularly known as the “Millet Man of India”, was the Chief Guest. He highlighted the nutritional and ecological significance of traditional grains and stressed the need to increase awareness and consumption of millet-based diets.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai highlighted the University’s approach of linking research, education, extension and entrepreneurship to address emerging challenges. He also outlined SKUAST-K initiatives in One Health, natural and organic farming, herbal resources and sustainable agriculture, including efforts towards a Centre of Excellence on One Health and herbs. He called for greater use of biopesticides, bio-based technologies and Artificial Intelligence in agriculture.
Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government, highlighted the need for closer institutional collaboration between agricultural and medical institutions in addressing food and health concerns.
Speaking on regulation and standards, Khalid Jahangir, Commissioner, Food & Drug Administration, J&K, stressed the importance of maintaining quality and safety across the food chain, from production and processing to consumption.
Prof. Fazlul Qadir Parray, Dean, Medical Faculty, SKIMS and Principal, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, emphasised the importance of creating awareness about nutritious traditional foods and healthy dietary practices among the younger generation.
From the ecological agriculture perspective,Umendra Dutt, Executive Director, Kheti Virasat Mission, highlighted soil health, biodiversity and conservation of traditional agricultural knowledge.
In his welcome address, Prof. Parmeet Singh, SKUAST-K, emphasised the need to strengthen links between scientific institutions and farming communities and improve mechanisms for translating research into field-level action.
A major feature of the seminar was the participation of around 350 farmers and FPO members, who interacted with experts on cultivation, processing, food safety, value addition and market opportunities. Discussions also covered millet-based products, branding, packaging and entrepreneurship.