NESFAS workshop on millet cultivation

SHILLONG: A workshop and awareness programme on the importance of millet and role of women in its cultivation was held at Laitdiengsai in Mawkynrew block on Monday.
The programme, organised by Social Service Centre Shillong and North East Slow Food and Agro-biodiversity Society (NESFAS), was on the theme ‘No Woman No Krai (millet)’, a slogan started by Slow Food International. The workshop focused on the importance of millet, the emergence of millet networks in the local and global forum and the role of women as protecters of this precious crop.
Pius Ranee, Associate, NESFAS, said, “If a time comes when there is short supply of rice in our region, which is our staple food, what would we do? We will have to reflect that millet was a staple food back in the days during the time of our forefathers.”
Ranee said millets are pest-free crops that require no chemicals. Most importantly, they are climate-smart crops that can increase food sovereignty for farmers and can be sourced locally.
Mapping the diversity of millet and a cooking class on two recipes of millet were also conducted, in which participants from six villages took part.
“The aim of SSC is to promote traditional farming and the essence of traditional crops,” said Fr. Bernard Laloo, Director, SSC.