On a pioneering initiative led by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education under the Government of India, an important project has been launched to promote the reintroduction of millets into mainstream consumption. As part of this effort, the year 2023 has been declared the International Year of Millets, which aims to highlight the nutritional and ecological benefits of millets.
In line with this initiative, BSF South Bengal Frontier has organized a Millet’s Fair at Frontier Headquarters, Rajarhat Campus, intending to spread public awareness on various aspects of millet cultivation and its integration and nutritional values in daily life. At the Fair Different Battalion Under the South Bengal Frontier displayed various outlets for Different Types of millet and their Dishes. Shri Ayush Mani Tiwari, IPS, IG, South Bengal Frontier formally inaugurated the fair and addressed various farmers, cooks, Jawans, and their families participating in it.
The objective of the Millets Fair is to showcase different millet varieties by farmer organizations, emphasizing their nutritional values and importance in daily diet. The event will provide a platform for farmers to showcase their produce and educate the public about the nutritional richness and health benefits associated with millet.
Promoting healthy living through Millets
Millets are classified into smaller, smaller various types. Millets contain 10 to 12 percent more dietary fiber than staple grains. With 65 percent carbohydrate content, 6 to 12.5 percent protein, and 1.5 to 5 percent fat, millets are the most suitable grain to overcome malnutrition. Incidentally, Millet releases glucose into the bloodstream in a balanced manner throughout 6 to 8 hours after a meal. This slow release of glucose makes them an excellent food choice for diabetics. Their rich fiber content and low glycemic properties combined with slow-digesting starch make them best suited for the gut. It also contains a range of micronutrients and proteins, making them truly a super food to combat diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, obesity, etc.
Apart from the exhibition of millet varieties, stalls demonstrating the preparation of various vegetarian dishes made from millets were set up at the fair by different Battalion under the South Bengal Frontier which was the center of attraction for all. In which all the people who came enjoyed different types of dishes made from millets. The main objective of these stalls is to encourage the attendees to learn how to include millets in their daily diet and adopt healthy eating habits as well as prepare a variety of delicious dishes from millets.
Inclusive participation
The Millets Mela was a massive event with the active participation of all the paramilitary forces and their families and the general public. This inclusive approach seeks to involve not only the farming community but also different sections of society in understanding and promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets.
Commenting on the importance of millets and their role in our health, the Public Relations Officer of South Bengal Frontier stressed, “Millets are a nutritional powerhouse that can play a vital role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Their high fiber content, coupled with essential nutrients, makes them a valuable addition to our diet. By organizing events like Millets Mela, we aim to not only showcase the diverse aspects of millet cultivation but also to include millets in our daily diet for good health.
