News
Valedictory session on International Symposium on Millets for Nutritional Security, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Agriculture
05 Nov 2026
The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences & Allied Industries (FAS&AI), Rama University, Kanpur, successfully organized the second day of the Two-Day International Symposium on “Millets for Nutritional Security, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Agriculture” on 3 November 2026. The day witnessed insightful keynote addresses, interactive academic deliberations, and engaging oral and poster presentations, bringing together eminent scientists, academicians, faculty members, research scholars, and students to exchange knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices, nutritional security, climate-smart agriculture, and innovative research.
The second day commenced with an insightful keynote address by Dr. Shweta, Assistant Director General, UPCAR, Lucknow, on the topic “Millets: From Field to Resilient Food System.” Her address highlighted the importance of integrating millet cultivation into sustainable and resilient food systems. She emphasized the role of millets in strengthening nutritional security, enhancing agricultural sustainability, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The session provided valuable perspectives on connecting agricultural production with food system resilience and sustainable consumption.
The symposium further featured an online keynote address by Dr. Vijay Kumar Yadav, Principal Scientist, ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, on the topic “Recent Innovation in Forage Improvement for Sustainable Livestock Production.” His presentation focused on scientific advancements in forage improvement, the development of quality fodder resources, and the significance of sustainable livestock production. The address highlighted the importance of improved forage varieties and innovative research interventions in enhancing livestock productivity and strengthening the sustainability of integrated agricultural systems.
The oral presentation session provided an excellent platform for faculty members, research scholars, and students to showcase their research findings and innovative ideas. The presentations covered diverse themes related to climate-smart agriculture, millet-based nutrition, farmer empowerment, and food processing.
The presentations and award-winning contributions were as follows:
- First Prize: Ms. Archana Yadav, Research Scholar, Department of Food and Nutrition, ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, presented her research on “Unlocking the Health Potential of Millets: Role of Processing in Nutritional Enhancement.”
- Second Prize: Mr. Akshat Tiwari, B.Sc. Agriculture student, for his presentation on “Millets for Combating Malnutrition: Nutritional Potential and Future Prospects.”
- Third Prize: Dr. Akankhya Pradhan, Assistant Professor, Agronomy, FAS&AI, Rama University, for her presentation on “Millets for Next Generation Climate-Smart Agriculture.”
- Special Appreciation: Mr. Alok Kumar, Ph.D. Scholar, Horticulture (Vegetable Science), for his presentation on “Policy Extension and Farmer Empowerment through Cruciferous Vegetable Production in India.”
The oral presentation session reflected the multidisciplinary relevance of millet research and emphasized the importance of scientific innovations in addressing contemporary agricultural and nutritional challenges.The poster presentation session showcased a wide range of research studies and innovative approaches in agriculture, genetics, crop improvement, and natural farming. The session encouraged scientific communication and provided participants with an opportunity to present their research through informative and visually engaging posters.
The award-winning poster presentations were:
- First Prize: Ms. Prachi, Ph.D. Scholar, Genetics and Plant Breeding, FAS&AI, Rama University, for her poster on “Gene Flow and Its Role in the Evolution of Crop.”
- Second Prize: Ms. Ayushi Yadav, Ph.D. Scholar, Horticulture, FAS&AI, Rama University, for her poster on “Study of Genetic Variability of Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench).”
- Third Prize: Dr. Mandeep Kumar, Assistant Professor, FAS&AI, Rama University, for his poster on “Natural Farming Solutions: Back to Nature, Back to Health.”
The poster session highlighted the significance of genetic diversity, crop evolution, sustainable farming practices, and scientific research in promoting agricultural development.The symposium culminated in a valedictory session, marking the successful conclusion of the two-day international academic event. The session celebrated the active participation and valuable contributions of keynote speakers, faculty members, research scholars, and students. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Vinay J. Silas, Organizing Secretary, FAS&AI, Rama University, who expressed sincere gratitude to the distinguished keynote speakers, university authorities, organizing committee members, faculty members, participants, and all those who contributed to the successful organization of the symposium.The International Symposium successfully reinforced the importance of millets in promoting nutritional security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development.
