ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Ballari organized International Year of Millet (IYoM)

Programme) and Mission Lifestyles for Awareness (LiFE on 25th May 2023 at its Research Farm, Near Laskminagar Camp, Ballari During the event Dr. B.S. Naik, Head of the Centre explained about importance of environment and climate change at present context Further, role of millets cultivation in conserving the soil, water and nutrients and achieving nutritional and ecological security in the nation. Dr. M.N. Ramesha, scientist (forestry), expressed overview of the programme and importance of millet crops in the nutritional security and resource conservation. He informed that the United Nations

General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared year 2023 the IYoM 2023. He also said that FAO is the lead agency for celebrating the Year in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders. Millets can grow on arid lands with minimal inputs and are resilient to changes in climate. They are therefore an ideal solution for countries to increase self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported cereal grains. Dr. Ravi Dupdal Scientist (Ag. Econ) explained overview of Lifestyle for Environment – LiFE. He told that environmental degradation and climate change are global phenomena where actions in one part of the world impact ecosystems and populations across the globe. He reiterates that if requisite action is not taken against the changing environment, approximately 3 billion people globally could experience chronic water scarcity. The global economy could lose up to 18% of GDP by 2050.

 

 

On this occasion, Lifestyle for Environment – LiFE procession was organized in the Lakshminagar Camp village along with swachh bharat abhiyan. Millet based snacks were distributed to the participants. Information of on millet snacks and their manufactures details were shared with participants. Millet Rusk manufactured by, Dharmastala Siri Gramodyoga Samste and Finger Millet Cookies (Raagi biscuits) was manufactured by University of agricultural Science, Raichur were distributed. The event was attended by all scientists, technical and administrative staff of the Institute, villagers and farmers. Total 35 persons attended the programme.