Presentations and interactions on preparation of nutritional dish and nutritional garden introducing the bio-fortified seed varieties marked the International Women’s Day 2020 observation at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) complex in Manipur capital Imphal on Saturday.
The day’s observation was attended by Adhyaksha R K Taruni Devi of Imphal West as chief guest while joint director Dr Narendra Prakash of ICAR North East Hill region Manipur centre as functional president.
Zilla Parishad member N Pramo Devi of Awangkhunou (Imphal West District), principal scientist (Seed Technology) Dr I Meghachandra Singh of ICAR North East Hill region Manipur centre and Child Development Project Officer (retired) Th Jamini of Imphal West-I were also present during the function.
Most of the speakers in the day’s observation highlighted the role of women in shaping the society and lack of addressing the issues and problems faced by the women particularly in Manipur.
In her speech, Adhyaksha R K Taruni expressed her desire to persuade both men and women equally in developing a better society together while joint director Dr Narendra Prakash of ICAR highlighted role of women in nation building.
Earlier principal scientist Meghachandra of ICAR speaking on the topic “Biofortified varieties: A sustainable way to alleviate malnutrition,” named two crops each of rice, wheat, pearl millet,sweet potato, mustard, one crop each of cauliflower, lentil, pomegranate and four crops of maize.
Awangkhunou Zilla Parishad member N Pramo and CDPO (retired) Jamini also spoke on the occasion.
Later assistant professor Somishon Keishing of Home Science department, GP Women’s college gave a presentation on ‘Nutri-Thali’ highlighting the importance of maintaining a nutritional dish for a healthy life by choosing low cost and locally/seasonally available vegetables/fruits/cereals etc.
She also suggested to take enough fibrous food and water for a healthy life.
On the other hand, assistant chief technical officer K Lily Rangnamei of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Imphal West District shared the methodology about setting up of ‘Nutri-Garden’ which is a kind of kitchen garden besides introducing the food values of different plant species suitable for the garden through her presentation, to ensure balance and safe diet.
The IWD was celebrated during International Women’s Year in 1975.
By 1977, the UN and its member states proclaimed March 8 would be an official day for women’s rights and world peace.
Since then it’s now observed all over the world.