Career Point University, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, successfully hosted a National Seminar on Sustainable Development and Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Rainfed Regions of Himachal Pradesh. The event brought together experts, researchers, and scholars to explore solutions for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience in hilly regions.
Day 1: Expert Insights and Research Presentations
The seminar featured distinguished speakers who shared their expertise on sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation:
- Dr. Naveen Kumar, Vice Chancellor, CSKHPKV Palampur
- Dr. Shashi Poonam, Associate Professor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh
- Dr. H. S. Banayal, Chairperson of Biosciences, HPU
- Dr. Nitesh Kumar, Assistant Professor, HPU
With over 100 research paper presentations from scholars across North India, the seminar served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, aiming to develop policies to combat climate change in vulnerable regions.
Day 2: Reviving Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and Millet Cultivation
The second day focused on the importance of traditional agricultural practices, particularly millet cultivation, in promoting sustainability and health.
- Millet Cultivation and Nutrition
- Experts emphasized the nutritional value of millets, advocating for them to constitute at least 33% of daily calorie intake.
- Millets were highlighted as a means to prevent lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
- Preserving Indigenous Agricultural Practices
- Discussions centered on documenting and reviving traditional farming techniques for future generations.
- Strategies for promoting millet farming included developing improved varieties, enhancing market access, and providing farmer incentives.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and farmers to work towards reviving traditional knowledge and millet cultivation, reinforcing CPU’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and rural development.
