As per the directives of the ICAR, the Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur organized “Poshan Vatika Mahaabhiyan and Vrikshaaropan” programme on 17 September, 2021 as run-up for the International Year of Millets 2023. At the outset, Dr P.K. Singh, Principal Scientist and Coordinator of the programme welcomed the participants and explained the importance of millets in human nutrition. He briefed the purpose of organizing this programme especially with women farmers and girl children.

In his address, Dr. J.S. Mishra, Director, ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur informed about the possible role of millets in coping up with different issues related to human health and climate change. He stressed that as the millets are rich in Fe, Ca, Zn, vitamins and dietary fibers, inclusion of millet-based food in daily diet will help in overcoming the health related issues. He motivated the women farmer to include the millets in their cropping system.

Dr. R. P. Dubey, Principal Scientist informed the gathering about different types of millets such as Pearl millet, foxtail millet, finger millet, Kodo millet, little millet etc. He informed that being tolerant to harsh weather conditions and droughts,millets are farmer-friendly crops.He talked about nutritional value of different millets over rice and wheat. He informed that Indian government declared the year 2018 as the National Year of Millets. On India’s request, the UN, FAO has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. He projected millets as future crops in India as well as internationally. On this occasion, 100 saplings of drumstick, Karaunda, Neem and Ashok trees were planted by the Director and other staff of Directorate in the premises. This programme was attended by 160 participants including 80 female farmers from Baroda, Umariya Choubey and Paudi villages of Jabalpur district; scientists, technical officers and other staff of the Directorate.