The North-Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) organized an initiative to promote millets in India at Gangtok today, focusing on generating awareness and highlighting the benefits of millet consumption to encourage increased production by farmers. Commodore Rajiv Ashok, Managing Director of NERAMAC, emphasized the nutritional value of Super Food Millets, its low Glycemic Index, and the government’s thrust towards promoting this produce, culminating in the International Year of Millets in 2023.

Rajen Thapa, Principal Director of Agriculture, Government of Sikkim, stressed the importance of incorporating millets into daily diets, citing their hardy nature, high protein, iron, and fiber content. He suggested utilizing fallow land and intercropping options to increase cultivation.

The event showcased millet products for sale and public awareness, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. NERAMAC’s efforts aim to make India’s Golden Grain a household name in Sikkim, promoting food security, agri-diversity, and a healthier tomorrow.

This initiative aligns with the government’s multi-stakeholder approach to promote millets, including the Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals under the National Food Security Mission and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry. The government has also set up an Export Promotion Forum and launched the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme to support millet-based startups.

As the world recognizes the potential of millets, India is poised to become a global hub for this nutritious grain.