Dr. Pradeep Kumar, VC, KUFOS inagurating AquaMillets by lighting the lamp

Millets, including major varieties like Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi, along with minor types, are important crops in India’s semiarid regions due to their resilience to challenging climates. Despite their nutritional superiority over major cereal crops, millets were marginalized post the Green Revolution, with a shift towards high-yielding wheat and rice varieties. The International Year of Millets (IYM2023), declared by the UN General Assembly in 2021 with the support of the Government of India, has brought renewed attention to these crops. Millets are gaining recognition as future crops, offering advantages such as adaptability to difficult climatic conditions, making them less risky for farmers. With over 2.5 crore small and marginal farmers involved in millet cultivation across India, the cultivation of these crops is experiencing a revival.

Millets are now acknowledged as nutritional powerhouses, linked to various health benefits. In conjunction with fish, a highly nutritious food source rich in essential fatty acids and amino acids lacking in plant-based cereals, there is a growing global demand for products combining fish and millets. India, a leading producer and exporter of fish products, stands to benefit from the development of novel products that offer the right proportion of essential nutrients for a healthy lifestyle. Recognizing the potential of combining fish and millets, the National Seminar "AquaMillets," organized by ICAR-CIFT in association with ZTM-ABI and SOFT(I), was held on December 15, 2023, in Kochi. Inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) T. Pradeep Kumar and presided over by Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, the seminar aimed to explore innovative products in this emerging field. The event featured talks from eminent personalities and showcased an exhibition of products from millet and fishery entrepreneurs, contributing to the promotion of millet-based products and sustainable agriculture practices.

In his inaugural address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Pradeep Kumar emphasized the critical role of minimizing carbon emissions and reducing the carbon footprint in the era of global warming. Millets and fish are recognized for their low carbon footprint, with millets demonstrating resilience to extreme weather conditions. He also highlighted the health benefits of millets, enriched with phytochemicals and minerals, and fish, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids that is lacking in plant materials. The concept of developing combination products is a well thought of concept. Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, emphasized the market potential of millet and fish-based combination products, considering them as innovative offerings in the International Year of Millet 2023. He commented that creating awareness about the diverse health benefits of millets alone and in combination with fish is crucial for consumer health. Dr. Nisha P., Principal Scientist, NIIST, Trivandrum, commended "AquaMillets" as an innovative concept with immense opportunities. Shri. P. K. Lal, Chief Coordinator of Millet Mission Kerala, emphasized the potential of deriving dual benefits through the development of millet and fish-based products. He underscored the significance of millet farmers, noting the heightened importance attributed to them with the declaration of the 'International Year of Millet' celebration in 2023. He highlighted Kerala’s substantial potential for millet production, particularly if awareness is effectively raised among farmers. Mrs. Latha R., Deputy Director of Agriculture, Thiruvananthapuram, emphasized the crucial role of sustaining millet crops to guarantee food and nutritional security for farmers throughout the year. Dr. Bindu J., Head, Fish Processing Division offered welcomed address and Dr. Nikita Gopal, Head, EIS & Secretary, SOFTI proposed vote of thanks. Dr. C. O. Mohan, Dr. Remya S., Senior Scientists and Dr. K. Elavarasan, Scientist were the conveners of this National Seminar.

The Inauguration was followed by technical sessions and six eminent personalities delivered talks during the Seminar. Dr. P. Nisha, Principal Scientist, NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, Shri. P. K. Lal, Chief Coordinator, Milllet Mission Kerala, Mrs. Latha R. Deputy Director of Agriculture, Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Rahul, Assistant Manager, KIED, Kalamassery, Ernakulam, Dr. Anandavally, FAO Consultant & Trainer and Former Deputy Director, EIA, Kochi, Dr. Remya S., Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi presented different aspects of millet and fish-based products during the seminar. In addition, the event included exhibition stalls showcasing products from millet and fishery entrepreneurs. Participating firms, including Attapady Tribal Farmers Association for Millets (ATFAM) from Attapady, Drupagaya Foods in Alapuzha, Millet Factory and Farms (India) Pvt Ltd. in Attapadi, FEBC Pvt Ltd. in Kochi, Zara Biotech Pvt Ltd. in Ernakulam, Puakai Agriaqua in East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, Amkette Analytics Ltd. in Thane, and ICAR-CIFT in Kochi, presented a diverse array of products. The showcased products covered various millet grains, flours, mixes, instant millet and seaweed-based dosa/idly powders, millet seaweed cookies, powder mixes for different millet-based products, millet payasam, millet cookies, millet seaweed biscuits, millet fish sausage, millet extruded fish products, millet-based snacks with different flavours, millet flakes, and more. The positive response to the exhibition stalls was evident, with attendees showing keen interest and engaging in the purchase of displayed products.
 

Inaugural Address by Dr. Pradeep Kumar, VC, KUFOS	Presidential Address by Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi
Release of FishMi- a novel millet and fish based product by ICAR-CIFT, Kochi	Dr. Nisha P., Principal Scientist, NIIST delivering the talk
Shri. P. K. LalChief Coordinator of Millet Mission Kerala delivering the talk	Mrs. Latha R., Deputy Director of Agriculture delivering the talk
Mr. Rahul, Assistant Manager, KIED delivering the talk