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Rama University Inaugurates Two-Day International Symposium on Millets for Nutritional Security, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Agriculture
03 Nov 2026
The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Allied Industries (FASAI), Rama University, Kanpur has organized a Two-Day International Symposium on “Millets for Nutritional Security, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Agriculture” on 2–3 November 2026. The symposium aimed to highlight the significance of millets in strengthening nutritional security, promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, and advancing sustainable agricultural and food systems. The event brought together eminent academicians, scientists, researchers, agricultural professionals, and students to deliberate on the emerging role of millets in sustainable agriculture and global food security.
The inaugural ceremony of the symposium formally began with a warm welcome of the Chief Guest and distinguished dignitaries, followed by their invitation to the dais. The traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony marked the auspicious beginning of the symposium, symbolizing knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment. The inaugural session proceeded with the Welcome Address by Dr. Aneeta Yadav, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Allied Industries (FASAI), and Chairperson, who welcomed the esteemed guests, keynote speakers, delegates, faculty members, researchers, and students. She emphasized the importance of millets in addressing contemporary challenges related to food and nutritional security, climate change, and sustainable agricultural development.
Following the welcome address, Mr. Mukesh Rathore, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Texas Tech University, Texas, USA, addressed the gathering and shared his perspectives on the nutritional and agricultural significance of millets. His address highlighted the relevance of millet-based food systems in promoting healthier lifestyles and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Guest of Honour of this event was Dr. Rajarshi Kumar Gaur,Deputy Director General (RPMC), UPCAR, Lucknow (U.P.) who highlighted the importance of agricultural research, technological advancement, and policy support in promoting millet cultivation and utilization. His address underscored the potential of millets in enhancing climate resilience, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and contributing to sustainable agricultural development.
The inaugural session was further enriched by the address of the Chief Guest, Dr. Seema Paroha, Director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, delivered an insightful address emphasizing the importance of scientific research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in strengthening sustainable food and agricultural systems. Her address encouraged participants to explore innovative approaches for enhancing the utilization and value addition of agricultural produce.
An important highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the release of the Symposium Souvenir by the distinguished dignitaries, commemorating the academic event and presenting a compilation of relevant scholarly contributions and symposium information.
The inaugural session concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Vinay J. Silas, Organizing Secretary and Head of the Department, FASAI, Rama University
At the technical session of the event Mr. Mukesh Rathore, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Texas Tech University, Texas, USA, addressed the gathering on the significance of millets in promoting nutritional security and sustainable agriculture. He highlighted the nutritional benefits of millets, their adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, and their potential to address global food security challenges. After that Dr. Syed M. Quatadah, assistant Professor, FASAI, shared his valuable insights on “Climate Change Mitigation and Environmental Sustainability in Prospective Agriculture: A Genetics and Plant Breeding Prespective.” He explained how the development of climate-resilient crop varieties with enhanced tolerance to drought, heat, salinity, and other environmental stresses can contribute to sustainable agricultural production. Further, Mr. Akshat Tivari, B.Sc. Ag. Shared his studies on the topic“Millets for Combating Malnutrition.” He highlighted the nutritional richness of millets, particularly their dietary fibre, essential minerals, vitamins, and protein content.
This 2 Day International Symposium will serve as an important academic platform for fostering knowledge exchange and promoting scientific discussions on millet-based agriculture and food systems.
