Join Professor Martin Jones and Dr Shreya Sinha from the TIGR2ESS programme on a journey to India.
Join researchers from the TIGR2ESS programme on a journey to India through the development of Indian agriculture, from the prehistoric beginnings of farming, via the rapid changes following the Green Revolution in the 1960's all the way to today's challenges faced by female farmers.
Why are Cambridge researchers interested in millets? They are high in nutrients, quick to grow and resilient to the effects of climate change. They are an ideal crop for the hot and dry agricultural areas in India. Once, millets were among the most geographically widespread crops in the world, however popularity has declined in favour of wheat, maize and rice. These small-grain cereals are however on track to make a comeback to our plates. Professor Martin Jones (Department of Archaeology) and Dr Shreya Sinha (Department of Geography) will talk about the ancient and modern practices of growing millets: from prehistoric beginnings of millet farming to today’s challenges faced by Indian small holders. Can this small seed make a big difference?
This is a public event and part of the University of Cambridge's 2019 Science Festival.
Booking is required through the Science Festival website; booking opens at 11am on Monday 11 February 2019.
Photo credit: ICRISAT