The office of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Jaintia Hills celebrated the Millets Kisan Mela cum World Soil Day 2023 at Wahiajer yesterday.
The programme started with a welcome address from D Pasweth, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Jaintia Hills. The celebration was marked by the presence of S Rani, District Horticulture Officer of West Jaintia Hills, L Lakiang, District Agriculture Officer of East Jaintia Hills, and others. Around 250 farmers were also present.
Speaking at the occasion, the WJH DHO exhorted the farmers on the need of proper and judicious soil management and encouraged them to take up millet cultivation and its prospects and potential of its value addition providing the many facets of its nutritional value.
The EJH DAO stressed on the need of conserving soil and water for the future generations. A short speech on health benefits of consumption of millets and its medicinal properties which positively will enhance the health and nutrition of everyone was delivered by the Senior Medical & Health Officer.
T Surong, a practising farmer from Khanduli village, shared her learning experiences on the introduction and promotion of millets in her village. The programme was followed by a technical session on millets.
Potato seed distribution sponsored by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi under its North East Hills programme were distributed to the farmers alongside the celebration.
Meanwhile, in Ri-Bhoi, farmers commemorated World Soil Day at a programme organised by the Ri Lajong Farmer Produce Organisation in collaboration with the College of Postgraduate Studies in Agriculture Sciences (CPGSAS) Umiam.
The significance of caring for the soil was underscored by experts from CPGSAS Umiam, including Sanjay Swami, AK Singh, Vishram Ram and Ram Singh. They emphasised the pivotal role of soil as the sole source of livelihood for farmers.
In addition to fostering a spirit of soil stewardship, the celebration included the distribution of essential agricultural resources. Mustard seeds, lentils, chickpeas, spray pumps and furrow openers were distributed to farmers.
