Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 March 2023
Grains are the primary staple food in India. Grains are nutritionally rich and deliver recommended nutrients to the body. The history of food, especially in the Indian context, will be left incomplete without giving due importance to Millets. Consumption of Millets in different civilisations of India can be observed from the literature. Today, there is an increase in the demand for Millets in India as well as the rest of the World. The regular recipes are replaced by Millets and are equally relished. Efforts are also being taken to educate farmers about better Millets growing techniques. A lot of importance is given to Millets due to their non-gluten tendency and other health benefits.
Recently, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by India to declare the year 2023 as ‘International Year of Millets’. The resolution considers the urgent need to raise awareness of the climate-resilient and nutritional benefits of Millets and to advocate for diversified, balanced and healthy diets through the increased sustainable production and consumption of millets.
Food Safety Department, A & N Administration will be organizing a ‘Millet Mela’ at Marina Park, Port Blair on 26th March 2023, from 1800 hrs onwards. Temporary food stalls shall be provided to Govt. Departments, Self Help Groups and other Food Business Operators (FBOs) for display and sale of millet products and other food products.
Info-graphic presentation on the benefits of millets will be displayed at the venue. Best three millet stalls shall be adjudged for awarding prizes. Various millet grains and their recipes shall be exhibited through Food Safety Department Stall. A cultural programme for the entertainment and awareness including Nukkad Natak will be presented on the topic ‘Benefits of Millets’.
The Commissioner Food Safety/Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman District has requested the general public, FBOs and tourists to attend the mela to spread mass awareness on consumption of millets and to make the the event a grand success.
Very good for health n keeps sugar levels under control n improves immunity levels. Millets give lot of energy n protects from infections n it protects even from covid also.
Millets are great, I slowly switched to a complete millet diet 4 months back and enjoy it but it is very expensive much costlier than the best rice or wheat. When a family of 5 change to this diet it invariably amounts to thousands of rupees extra needs to be shelled out which most people wont do, so in order for people to switch, the government needs to subsidise millets. Without demand, it will soon be forgotten.