SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Sept 29: A field tour programme of standing crops of nutritious cereals was organised at Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) on Thursday, on the occasion of the International Year of Nutritious Cereals (Millets). The tour was attended by about 50 farmers from Dumka, Sahibganj and Ranchi districts.
The farmers got acquainted with the standing crops of Madua, Gundli, Kodo, Sawan, Kangni, Chhoti Kangni, Bajra and Jowar among others. They were informed about their production technology and advanced strains.
Director (Research) Dr SK Pal said that these nutritious cereals are rich in minerals, iron, zinc, phosphorus and essential amino acids and are easily absorbed by the human body. It has high fibre and anti-diabetic properties. Their regular consumption reduces the chances of many heart diseases. Many value-added nutritious food items are prepared from millets like biscuits, macaroni, pasta, noodles and flakes.
Principal Investigator, All India Coordinated Research Project on Millets Dr Arun Kumar highlighted the importance of nutritious cereals, their improved varieties and programs to be organised during the International Year of Nutritious Cereals.
The ICAR Research Project on Millets, the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, BAU and the NGO Switch On Foundation organised the event jointly.
