Food Safety Department to Organise ‘Millet Mela’ at Marina on March 26

Details

Port Blair, March 22: Grains are the primary staple food of 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 civilizations of India can be observed from the literature. Today, there is an increase in the demand for Millets in India as well as 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.

With this backdrop, the Food Safety Department, A&N Administration is 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 event a grand success.