Shillong, Sept 5: The Government of India has amped-up its efforts to promote millets as a sustainable, nutritious alternative to conventional crops, highlighting its importance for both food security and agricultural diversity. The ‘superfood’ was a regular part of the diet of our ancestors but has lost to the popularity of rice and wheat in the last few decades.
With an aim to raise awareness about the health benefits of millet consumption and encourage increased production among farmers, a two-day event titled “Promotion of Millets Production in India” began in Shillong on Thursday.
The event has been organised by North-Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India.
B K Sohilya, Adviser cum Chairman, Meghalaya Farmers Empowerment Commission, while addressing the farmers and stakeholders emphasized the need for extensive awareness generation on the importance of millets production. He mentioned that Millet is a ‘superfood’ in a true sense and should be marketed as a premium product for maximum benefit to farmers. He lauded the efforts being taken by NERAMAC and urged for greater convergence between institutions to make the produce a success.
Commodore Rajiv Ashok (Retd), Managing Director, NERAMAC, highlighted the benefits of millets products and reasons to use them as an alternative to rice. He also spoke about the Government of India’s thrust towards this produce over the last few years leading up to the world recognizing it as the International Year of Millets.
M Iboyaima Meitei, Horticulture Adviser, NEC, commended the effort being taken by NERAMAC in the Agri-Horti sector in general and for promotion of Millets in specific. He said that the implementation of the FPO Central Sector Scheme by NERAMAC was being done in a manner worthy of emulation. He also mentioned that NEC was fully supportive of endeavours in the sector.
Mr. Kayio Kayina, MD NERCORMS, highlighted that Millets were always a part of the diet of our ancestors and that it was essential to preserve and promote it for food security, agri-diversity and its nutritious nature.
J C Lyngdoh, Director of Agriculture, Govt of Meghalaya, said that the area under millet cultivation though limited has increased in recent years and that the State Government is working in Mission Mode to ensure a sustainable future with Millets.
Millet products that are on display in the stalls set up are the highlights of the event. The entrepreneurs showcased a variety of products including raw millet grains, ready-to-cook items, and ready-to-eat products. Notable highlights of the events included ready-to-eat products like Millet Malt, Cookies, Ladoos, Millet Rusk, Ragi Namkeen, Cakes, Wine etc.
Guests were not only impressed by the remarkable versatility of these millet-based sweets and savouries, but they also expressed a keen interest in learning more about millet flours and ready-to-cook items to incorporate into their daily diets.
The event witnessed participation of around 200 beneficiaries, including millet farmers and entrepreneurs from Meghalaya, Assam & Arunachal Pradesh. The event is supported by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
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