Minor millets are beneficial for human health. On the one hand the traditional food practices are being given up with adoption of fast food habits and on the other hand the increasing population is posing food security problems, said Dr. R.R. Hanchinal, vice chancellor, UAS, Dharwad speaking on the concluding day of Krishi Mela at Dharwad.

“The prosperity of any nation depends on food and nutritional security which can aid in country’s security. In this direction millet production and value addition should go hand in hand,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of minor millets in the human diet, Mr Hanchinal also explained that it reduces the blood pressure as well as blood sugar levels.

The four day Krishimela -2011 and Southern Region Agriculture Fair saw nearly 450 stalls displayed seeds, agriculture implements, latest technologies, innovative methods of farming, herbal products, organic products.

Many government and non-government agencies, private firms, self-help groups, publishers put up their stalls disseminating information on various issues, including land development, seeds, fertilizers and pesticide production, and farm equipment.

On one hand, purchase of seeds for Rabi season by farmers and on the other hand, owners of agricultural machinery exhibition stalls actively explaining about their equipments to the farming community was evident in the exhibition.

MoU

The University of Agricultural Sciences-Dharwad (UAS-D) and University of Mysore have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate exchange of findings of research conducted by both the universities in biotechnology.

According to Dr. R.R. Hanchinal, vice chancellor, UAS-D the MoU will facilitate exchange of the findings of research in biotechnology conducted by the Department of Biology of the University of Mysore and the UAS Dharwad pertaining to the plant pathology and seed health.