The NITI Aayog has published a report titled “Promoting Millets in Diets: Best Practices across States/UTs of India.” The report was launched by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman K. Bery, accompanied by Member (Health) Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Agriculture) Dr. Ramesh Chand, and CEO B. V. R. Subrahmanyam. Other officials present included Ms. Aditi Rout, Additional Secretary Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ms. Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ms. Deepa Anand, Deputy Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, and Senior Advisor NITI Aayog Mr. Rajib Sen.
The report highlights various practices and initiatives adopted by state governments and organizations to promote millets, including production, processing, and consumption. It covers three themes: state missions and initiatives to promote millets, inclusion of millets in ICDS, and research and development and the use of technology for innovative practices. The report aims to revive and mainstream millets in the Indian diet.
During the launch, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman K. Bery emphasized the importance of promoting millets and leveraging the power of branding and marketing to make them fashionable. Member NITI Aayog Dr. V.K. Paul stressed the nutritional benefits of millets and the significance of having a document that compiles data, evidence, and practices to mainstream millets in the Indian diet. Member NITI Aayog Prof Ramesh Chand highlighted the efforts of the Prime Minister in giving millets a respectable status both nationally and globally. CEO B. V. R. Subrahmanyam emphasized the potential of millets in ensuring nutritional security in the country and credited the Prime Minister’s efforts in mainstreaming millets. The report serves as a comprehensive guide to revive and mainstream millets in the Indian diet.