Panaji | 4^th October 2023

In an effort to champion the cause of nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and community well-being, a Millet Utsav was organized by the Goa Directorate of Agriculture today at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Goa. The Agriculture Minister of Goa, Shri Ravi S. Naik, inaugurated the festival, which aimed to raise awareness about millet production and consumption, emphasizing their exceptional nutritional advantages and versatile use in our daily diets. The festival also featured an exhibition organized by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) Goa.

The CBC Exhibition at the Millet Utsav showcases the transformative potential of millets and commemorates the significance of the International Year of Millets. It featured an array of facts and figures highlighting the vital role that millets can play in our lives. Visitors were immersed in the nutritional benefits and diverse applications of millets. A selfie booth celebrating the International Year of Millets and its profound impact on farmers' livelihoods was also a notable feature.

The festival encompassed a series of enlightening talks and practical demonstrations on various aspects of millet cultivation, their nutritive value, quality parameters, licensing requisites for millet-based foods, and the crafting of value-added products using millets. Adding culinary excitement, a millet recipe competition was also organized, which captivated participants who showcased their culinary prowess and creativity with millet-based dishes.

Complementing the knowledge-sharing sessions, attendees had the opportunity to relish millet-based snacks and food items, all skillfully prepared by Self Help Groups and innovative Millet startups. The festival also featured captivating Millet-based skits and group songs echoing the theme: "Grow Millets, Eat Millets, Stay Healthy."

The Millet Utsav witnessed participation from various state departments including Art & Culture, Education, Higher Education, Sports, Food & Drugs Administration, District Rural Development Agency, Tourism, Women & Child Development, Health, and Goa College of Agriculture, among others. Their involvement underscores the collaborative commitment to promoting millets for the betterment of communities and the environment.

The Millet Utsav is a testament to Goa's dedication to fostering a healthier and more sustainable future, where millets take center stage in the journey towards enhanced nutrition and ecological resilience. Also present at the inaugural ceremony were Ms. Anna Roy, Senior Advisor, NITI Aayog and Shri. Nevil Alphonso, Director, Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Goa. The month of October is set to witness numerous such events, celebrating and generating awareness about millets.

 

GSK/PM

 

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