Millet Diets Promote Better Health: Udupi DC
Udupi, December 14, 2024: Deputy Commissioner Dr K Vidya Kumari has called for the inclusion of millets in daily diets to promote better health. Speaking at the inauguration of a district-level millet and forgotten food recipe competition at the Joint Agriculture Director’s Office in Manipal, she highlighted the health benefits and nutritional value of millets.
Dr. Vidya Kumari noted that millets, traditionally cultivated by our ancestors using organic farming methods, are rich in nutrients and require minimal water for growth.
“Incorporating millets into daily meals is essential for improving health and should be actively encouraged,” she said.
Statewide efforts, including millet-based competitions and exhibitions, aim to create awareness about these traditional crops. “Promoting millet consumption will not only enhance public health but also provide significant support to farmers engaged in millet cultivation,” she added.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Mamatha Devi G.S. emphasized the declining use of millets due to lifestyle changes and urged the public to understand their nutritional importance. “Everyone should explore the benefits of millets and incorporate them into their diets,” she said.
The event saw enthusiastic participation in the cooking competition, where 31 participants presented 58 unique dishes, including ragi halwa, foxtail millet chitranna, millet pulao, banana stem curd salad, and agase majjige. These recipes showcased the versatility of millets and attracted significant attention from attendees.
The program was coordinated by Joint Agriculture Director Poornima G.C., who welcomed the gathering, while Assistant Director Satish managed the proceedings.
