Mizoram: NERAMAC’s initiative to promote the benefits of millet consumption

Aizawl, October 23 (IANS): The North East Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), a PSU under the Ministry of North East Regional Development (DoNER), has taken an initiative to create awareness and promote the benefits of millet consumption to create a backward effect of increased production by farmers, officials said here on Wednesday.

Mizoram Agriculture Minister PC Vanlalruata, while addressing a seminar on ‘Promotion of Millets in India’ at the Aijal Club, lauded the efforts made by NERAMAC in the agro-horticultural sectors in general and for the promotion of millet for a healthier future in particular.

He mentioned that millets are a “superfood” in the true sense and a collaborative effort between NABARD, NERAMAC and the state government would produce beneficial results for the farmers.

The minister also spoke about the practice of millet production through ‘Jhum’ – a slash-and-burn method of cultivation and its widespread consumption a few generations ago.

In this perspective, Vanlalruata spoke of the need to bring benefits back into daily consumption through modern cultivation methods.

Commodore Rajiv Ashok (retd), Director General, NERAMAC, while setting the backdrop for the event and welcoming the dignitaries, farmers, entrepreneurs and other participants, highlighted the benefits of millet, the golden grain from India which is a nutritional powerhouse and the reasons to use them as an alternative to rice.

He also spoke about the central government’s effort in favor of this product in recent years, until the world recognized it in the form of an International Year of Millet in 2023, and the desire of NERAMAC to make India’s Golden Grain a household name.

The Mizoram Agriculture Department secretary stressed that it was essential to preserve and promote millets for food security, agro-diversity and its nutritious nature.

She appreciated NERAMAC’s efforts to defend the cause of millet consumption and agriculture in general.

The highlights of the event are the stands selling millet products and raising awareness among the general public.

Speakers at the seminar emphasized that millets need to be made more fashionable or popular as they have health benefits, especially for lifestyle choices.

The event, supported by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, saw the participation of around 60 beneficiaries, including millet growers and entrepreneurs from Assam and Mizoram.