National Seminar on “Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture” inaugurated at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam
A two day National Seminar on “Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture” got underway here at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam today. The seminar was organized by ICAR Research Complex in collaboration with Deendayal Research Institute, Chitrakoot.
First day of the seminar witnessed eminent speakers from across India for sensitizing the participants on Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture.
In his welcome address, Dr. S.V. Ngachan, Hon’ble Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam said that the seminar is well apt for the present situation which will give a thought for food, where malnourishment and diseases has reached its peak, we need to look back and give a thought as to what corrective steps needs to be taken to achieve a healthy nation. He further stated that agriculture is not only the economic background of the country but also the basis for a healthy nation.
Shri. P.B Acharya, Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, declared the seminar open by highlighting the aspects of agriculture. Speaking further he said that “Agriculture should be nutrition sensitive and the nutrition should reach the plates of every citizen’’. He emphasized that the local and traditional foods should be promoted as every region has a special nutritional aspect and requirement. He further stressed that the aim should not only be to achieve food security but also to ensure that a balanced diet is received by every Indian.
In her Keynote address Dr. Vanadana Shiva, Internationally acclaimed environmentalist spoke at length and highlighted the various aspects of agriculture and nutrition. She stressed on the fact that food is an “ecological process”, and growing food in harmony with the nature should be the key focus of the agriculturalist. She further emphasized on the fact that food is the centre of any culture and food is the chief of all beings. The present scenario is grim in India, we need to change the outlook in the way food is cultivated she added. Agriculture begins with Mother Nature and our earth and its biodiversity needs to be protected.
Shri. Banwari Lal Purohit, Hon’ble Governor of Assam and Meghalaya in his address said that the change in culture has led to the change in food habit which ultimately leads to a malnourished nation. Local delicacies have enormous nutrients’ which needs to be identified and research should be conducted in the aspect of the food and nutrition both. Soil nutrients should be checked so that healthy harvest can be achieved. If the soil is deprived of nutrients the soul of the soil is lost. The scientist should aim to create a viable agriculture. North East is a very beautiful place and rich in biodiversity we should maintained it, he added.
Speaking on the occasion Archana Chitnis, Hon’ble Minister for Welfare and Child Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh, said that the villages in India were never weak but the procedure in which the agriculture and the farming practice were conducted was destroying the soil which in return gave less remuneration to the farmers. The motive of the agriculturist should be to work hand in hand with the nature. Our land is rich but its needs to be taken care off. She further added that the wholesome plate of food should be what we should achieve. All the nutrients are must for the overall development of an individual.
Dr. K.M. Bujarbaruah, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat present the vote of thanks.
An exhibition cum technological showcasing programme was also organized to display the food diversity of the North East and other Part of the India. Chief guest Shri. Banwari Lal Purohit, Hon’ble Governor of Assam and Meghalaya along with other dignities were visited the various stalls and interacted with the exhibitors.
Day long technical sessions were conducted in which the points highlighted by eminent speakers were discussed and brainstorming sessions conducted where feasible step towards development of nutritionally rich country was strived to be achieved.
Lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries
Realeasing of the book on guidelines for balanced nutrition by the dignataries
