The Department of Tribal Studies, in collaboration with the Social Science, Humanities, and Management departments, Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP) successfully organized a Two-Day National Conference on “Millets Quest 2025: Building Resilience, Feeding the World” on February 24-25, 2025, bringing together experts, policymakers, and tribal farmers to highlight the significance of millet cultivation, utilization, and preservation in the 21st century. Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, graced the event as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the role of tribal farmers in preserving millet diversity and creating seed banks. The seminar featured esteemed resource persons, including Shri Prakritivanam Prasad Garu, Environmentalist (Andhra Pradesh), Ms. Lahari Bai, Millets Ambassador of India (Madhya Pradesh), Ms. Padala Bhudevi, Tribal Farmer & Nari Shakti Puraskar Awardee (Andhra Pradesh), and Mrs. Raimati Ghiuria, Millet Queen of India (Koraput, Odisha), who shared their invaluable experiences in millet farming and advocacy. Prof. T.V. Kattimani, Honorable Vice-Chancellor, CTUAP, presided over the inaugural session. Dr. Anirudh Kumar, Head of the Department of Tribal Studies, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the potential of millets as a super food that promotes health, sustainability, and food security. He also stressed the seminar’s role in documenting and preserving indigenous millet varieties. The event was further enriched by the presence of Registrar Prof. T. Srinivasan, Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and scholars. The seminar was meticulously coordinated by Convener Dr. Divya K., and Faculty members from School of Sciences. This landmark event reaffirmed CTUAP’s commitment to strengthening millet research, fostering sustainable agricultural practices, and recognizing the vital contributions of tribal communities in conserving India’s millet heritage.
