Women Farmers lead the way at Indigenous Seed Expo and Millets Cooking Workshop

 

Kolkata: SwitchON Foundation, in collaboration with the Revitalising Rainfed Agriculture Network (RRAN) and WASSAN, organized a two-day event that combined the Women-Led Indigenous Seed Expo with a District-Level Millets Cooking Workshop. Held at the District Rural Development Cell Canteen, this event brought together farmers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs to promote sustainable agriculture, empower women, and introduce millet-based products into daily diets.

 

The first day of the event focused on the Women-Led Indigenous Seed Expo, where women farmers showcased the diversity and potential of indigenous seeds. Their efforts are not only preserving biodiversity but also paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system. Through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing sessions, these women showcased the potential of indigenous seeds in combating climate change and ensuring food security. Government representatives engaged directly with farmers, discussing various schemes and policies designed to support sustainable agriculture.

 

The second day featured the "District-Level Millets Cooking Workshop," an initiative aimed at integrating millets into daily diets. The workshop, part of the Millet for Million campaign, was led by Master Trainers from WASSAN and SwitchON's Udyamini program. Women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) participated in hands-on sessions, learning how to prepare a variety of nutritious millet-based dishes. More than 50 women SHGs from Purulia participated in the workshop. The workshop also marked the launch of the Bengali Millets Recipe Book, a publication designed to inspire and guide the inclusion of millets in everyday meals.

 

Ms. Shabnam Afrin, Millets Recipe Specialist from WASSAN said, "Millets are more than just a crop; they are a lifeline for sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods. Through this workshop, we aim to reintroduce these ancient grains into our daily diets, ensuring better health and greater resilience for our communities."

 

Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive exhibits, cooking demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing sessions. The event underscored the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and showcased the benefits of adopting indigenous seeds and millet-based diets for improved health and sustainability.

 

Mr. Surajit Chakraborty, General Manager, SwitchON Foundation said, "This two-day event is a testament to the power of women in driving change. Whether through preserving indigenous seeds or introducing nutritious millet dishes, these women are leading the way toward a sustainable future. We aim to strengthen the millet value chain and revive millets as an essential component of local and global food systems."

 

Block Development Officer, Hura said, "The preservation and promotion of indigenous seeds are vital for our nation's agricultural future. By empowering women farmers and supporting sustainable practices, we are not only preserving our heritage but also securing the food security of future generations."