HT Bureau
DIPHU, April 3: In celebrating the International Year of Millets, 2023, by district administration, Karbi Anglong, the Institute of Hotel Management, Guwahati prepared a Millet based lunch at Circuit House here on Monday. The programme was organised by the district administration to discuss the importance and usefulness of Millet.
During the programme the agriculture development officer, (ADO), Pirbi Tissopi explained about the various types of Millets, how it is cultivated and its health benefits.
Participating in the programme, the chief executive member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang said in order to promote cultivation of Millet in the country Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millet. “I appreciate the DC for organising the international year of Millet in giving due recognition on the importance of promoting Millet cultivation and to give awareness to the people on the advantages of Millet,” the CEM said.
He also said that Millet cultivation should be promoted in the district and to support the farmers, the Agriculture department under KAAC will provide Millet seeds to them.
The CEM further said, “Millet is not new cereal crops to the Karbi tribes. It has been cultivated in the jhum cultivation in the hills. Our people have been consuming Millet as food. For several years now it has been a forgotten one. Now it has to be promoted among our indigenous tribes for cultivation.” He also mentioned the health benefits of Millet as they are high in fibre, iron and protein compared to rice. Millet is ideal for diabetic people as the glycemic index is medium value and lower than the value of maize, refined wheat flour and rice.
CEM alongwith MLA Bidyasing Engleng; Executive Member, KAAC; Member of Autonomous Council (MACs) and DC, Madhumita Bhagawati, ACS had Millet lunch served with various items prepared from Millet by the Institute of Hotel Management, Guwahati.
The Millet items were Pearl Millet ladoo, Finger Millet sweets, Foxtail Millet jura rice, Foxtail paratha, multi Millet puri, multi Millet salad, multi Millet barfi, foxtail kheer, foxtail pitha, foxtail cake and other items.