Aizawl, Oct 23
The North-Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), a PSU under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), has taken an initiative to generate awareness and promote the benefits of millet consumption to create an upstream effect of increased production by farmers, officials said here on Wednesday.
Mizoram Agriculture Minister P.C. Vanlalruata, while addressing a seminar on "Promotion of Millets in India" at Aijal Club, commended the efforts being taken by NERAMAC in the agri-horti sectors in general and for the promotion of millets for a healthier tomorrow in particular. He mentioned that millet is a 'superfood' in a true sense and that a collaborative effort between NABARD, NERAMAC, and the state government would yield beneficial results for farmers. The minister also talked about the practice of millet production through 'Jhum'-the slash-and-burn method of farming-and its widespread consumption a few generations ago. With this perspective, Vanlalruata highlighted the need to bring back millet into daily consumption through modern cultivation methods. Commodore Rajiv Ashok (Retd), Managing Director of NERAMAC, set the context for the event and welcomed the dignitaries, farmers, entrepreneurs, and other participants. He highlighted the benefits of millets, referred to as India's Golden Grain, which is a nutritional powerhouse, and discussed reasons to use them as an alternative to rice. He also spoke about the Central government's focus on this produce over the last few years, culminating in the recognition of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, and NERAMAC's drive to make India's Golden Grain a household name. Mizoram's Agriculture Department Secretary emphasized the essential nature of preserving and promoting millets for food security, agricultural diversity, and their nutritious characteristics. She appreciated NERAMAC's efforts in advocating for millet consumption and agriculture in general. The highlights of the event included stalls displaying millet products for sale and raising public awareness. The speakers of the seminar emphasized that millets must be made more fashionable or popular due to their health benefits, especially concerning lifestyle-related choices. The event, supported by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, witnessed participation from around 60 beneficiaries, including millet farmers and entrepreneurs from Assam and Mizoram.