National Seminar on “Millets to Models: Natural and Sustainable Farming for the 21st Century” Held at St. Joseph’s College

Visakhapatnam: Indian News Times:August 22, 2026:St. Joseph’s College for Women (Autonomous), Visakhapatnam, organised a one-day National Seminar on “Millets to Models: Natural and Sustainable Farming for the 21st Century” on August 22, 2026, informed Principal Dr. Sr. Shyji. The seminar brought together students, faculty members, scientists, agricultural experts and administrative officials from various colleges to deliberate on millet cultivation, natural farming, soil health, sustainable agriculture and emerging agricultural technologies.

The programme commenced with the registration and welcome of the guests and delegates, followed by a prayer song presented by the students. The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. Sr. S. Hema, who delivered the presidential remarks. The convenors explained the background, objectives and academic significance of the seminar. Dr. N. Anuradha, Senior Scientist, participated as the Chief Guest, while Mrs. B. Satya Shyamala, District Project Manager, APCNF, Visakhapatnam, attended as the Guest and shared valuable insights into natural and sustainable farming.

Chief Guest Dr. N. Anuradha delivered an insightful presentation on “From Genetic Diversity to Digital Breeding for Millet Improvement.” She highlighted the importance of genetic resources in enhancing millet productivity, nutritional quality, biofortification and tolerance to adverse climatic conditions. She also explained the potential of modern genetic technologies, high-throughput plant trait assessment, genetic studies and Artificial Intelligence in developing nutrient-rich and climate-resilient millet varieties.

Mr. K. Prakash, Regional Technical Lead, North Coastal Region, APCNF Project, highlighted the environmental challenges arising from intensive agricultural practices, including soil degradation, environmental pollution, pest resistance and excessive dependence on chemicals. He emphasised natural farming as an important pathway for restoring soil fertility, reducing chemical dependency, protecting the environment and promoting sustainable agricultural production.

In the post-lunch session, Dr. Y. Sandhya Rani, Scientist, Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram, delivered a presentation on “Natural Farming – The Future of Sustainable Agriculture.” She explained that natural farming helps improve soil organic carbon, microbial activity, soil structure, nutrient cycling and moisture retention. She emphasised crop diversification, mulching, continuous soil cover and livestock integration as important strategies for enhancing biodiversity and building resilience to climate change.

Mrs. B. Satya Shyamala, District Project Manager, APCNF, Visakhapatnam, explained the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming programme being implemented under Rythu Sadhikara Samstha. She elaborated on the Nine Principles of Natural Farming and highlighted their significance in restoring soil health, conserving biodiversity, reducing cultivation costs and strengthening sustainable rural livelihoods.

Dr. Vana Prasad Rao, Scientist (Agronomy), BCT–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Haripuram, delivered a presentation on “Organic and Natural Farming Practices in Different Crops.” He discussed crop rotation, intercropping, mulching, livestock integration, farmyard manure, compost, green manure, biofertilizers, Beejamrutam, Jeevamrutam, trap crops, bird perches and botanical pest management as important components of sustainable agriculture. He emphasised that these practices can reduce cultivation costs, improve soil fertility, conserve biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience.

The one-day National Seminar provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and academic interaction among students, faculty members, scientists and agricultural experts. The deliberations focused on promoting millet cultivation, adopting modern genetic technologies, encouraging natural farming, restoring soil health, conserving biodiversity and strengthening farmer participation.

The seminar concluded with the key message that agriculture must move beyond a purely yield-oriented approach towards a holistic and sustainable model that ensures nutritional security, environmental conservation, economic viability for farmers, healthy soils and public well-being.

The seminar proved to be an enriching academic experience for students and faculty members from participating colleges and created greater awareness of the vital role of millets, natural farming and modern agricultural technologies in building a sustainable future.