News & Announcement
NERAMAC Promotes Millet in India with a two-day Promotion Event
Gangtok, November 5(IPR):
North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India organised a two day programme on Promotion of Millets in India at a local hotel in Gangtok, today. North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) Limited was incorporated in 1982 as a Government of India Enterprise with North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong as a Promoter. Now under the administrative control of the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MONER). NERAMAC has taken up its role as a dynamic and vibrant marketing organisation essentially to support farmers of the North East Region in all its sincerity. NERAMAC gives importance to sustain farmers' interest in production by both pre and post-harvest support and plays a significant role by sourcing, procuring and marketing cash crops like Ginger, Pineapple, Cashewnut, etc., from farmers of the North East Region to market their products in terminal markets. The mandate of the Corporation also extends to assist small-scale processing units of North East Region to market their products in terminal markets. The programme had the presence of Mr Rajiv Ashok, Managing Director, NERAMAC; Mr Rajen Thapa, Principal Director, Agriculture Department; Mr BL Dahal, Director, Horticulture Department; Mr Tempa C Bhutia, Assistant General Manager, NABARD; Entrepreneurs and Farmers from across the state. In his welcome address, Mr Rajiv Ashok highlighted the Government of India's initiative to promote millet, declaring 2023 as the "Year of Millet". He emphasised the vast potential for marketing millet-based products and encouraged widespread adoption of millet into daily diets, citing its numerous health benefits. He also stressed the importance of increasing awareness and consumption of this nutrient-rich grain. Pointing out that the people still view millet as "poor man's food," without fully recognising its health benefits, Mr Rajen Thapa, spoke on the importance of adopting agricultural practices with climate change in mind and recommended focusing on cultivating climate-resilient crops. Addressing the farming community, he requested them to increase the production of millet and pulses, thereby promoting the importance of millet. Mr B L Dahal highlighted the growing importance of millet, particularly in light of the increasing demand for organically produced food products. He underscored that millet is a rich source of iron, making it especially beneficial for combating iron deficiency, a common issue affecting many individuals. Mr Dahal encouraged incorporating millet into daily diets to promote better health. He expressed hope that the attendees would gain valuable insights from the programme and further promote the benefits of millet. Likewise, Mr Tempa C Bhutia delivered an insightful presentation, tracing the history of NABARD and its numerous contributions to the farming community. He emphasised NABARD's vital role in advancing agricultural development and enhancing farmers' livelihoods. Mr Tempa C Bhutia also highlighted the growing business prospects associated with millet, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts to promote this nutrient-rich crop not only as a healthy food option but also for its vast potential in local and national markets. The programme also featured an open discussion session. Additionally, stalls showcasing millet-based food products were inaugurated.
North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India organised a two day programme on Promotion of Millets in India at a local hotel in Gangtok, today. North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) Limited was incorporated in 1982 as a Government of India Enterprise with North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong as a Promoter. Now under the administrative control of the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MONER). NERAMAC has taken up its role as a dynamic and vibrant marketing organisation essentially to support farmers of the North East Region in all its sincerity. NERAMAC gives importance to sustain farmers' interest in production by both pre and post-harvest support and plays a significant role by sourcing, procuring and marketing cash crops like Ginger, Pineapple, Cashewnut, etc., from farmers of the North East Region to market their products in terminal markets. The mandate of the Corporation also extends to assist small-scale processing units of North East Region to market their products in terminal markets. The programme had the presence of Mr Rajiv Ashok, Managing Director, NERAMAC; Mr Rajen Thapa, Principal Director, Agriculture Department; Mr BL Dahal, Director, Horticulture Department; Mr Tempa C Bhutia, Assistant General Manager, NABARD; Entrepreneurs and Farmers from across the state. In his welcome address, Mr Rajiv Ashok highlighted the Government of India's initiative to promote millet, declaring 2023 as the "Year of Millet". He emphasised the vast potential for marketing millet-based products and encouraged widespread adoption of millet into daily diets, citing its numerous health benefits. He also stressed the importance of increasing awareness and consumption of this nutrient-rich grain. Pointing out that the people still view millet as "poor man's food," without fully recognising its health benefits, Mr Rajen Thapa, spoke on the importance of adopting agricultural practices with climate change in mind and recommended focusing on cultivating climate-resilient crops. Addressing the farming community, he requested them to increase the production of millet and pulses, thereby promoting the importance of millet. Mr B L Dahal highlighted the growing importance of millet, particularly in light of the increasing demand for organically produced food products. He underscored that millet is a rich source of iron, making it especially beneficial for combating iron deficiency, a common issue affecting many individuals. Mr Dahal encouraged incorporating millet into daily diets to promote better health. He expressed hope that the attendees would gain valuable insights from the programme and further promote the benefits of millet. Likewise, Mr Tempa C Bhutia delivered an insightful presentation, tracing the history of NABARD and its numerous contributions to the farming community. He emphasised NABARD's vital role in advancing agricultural development and enhancing farmers' livelihoods. Mr Tempa C Bhutia also highlighted the growing business prospects associated with millet, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts to promote this nutrient-rich crop not only as a healthy food option but also for its vast potential in local and national markets. The programme also featured an open discussion session. Additionally, stalls showcasing millet-based food products were inaugurated.