The North-Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd. (NERAMAC), a central government enterprise under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), held a “Promotion of Millets in India” event at Zone Niathu by the Park in Dimapur today. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the health benefits of millets and to encourage increased production among farmers in the region.
The event was attended by officials from the Agriculture Department, local farmers, entrepreneurs, and members of the public. Commodore Rajiv Ashok (Retd.), Managing Director of NERAMAC, welcomed the participants and spoke about the nutritional value of millets, which he referred to as “India’s Golden Grain.” He emphasized the Indian government’s commitment to promoting millets as a sustainable and healthy alternative to rice, with the crop gaining global recognition during the International Year of Millets in 2023.
Commodore Ashok praised the Nagaland government and local farmers for their efforts in cultivating and popularizing millets, stating that collaborative efforts with NERAMAC could create positive impacts for farmers and enhance the local economy. He underscored the importance of millets for food security, agricultural diversity, and nutrition.
S Yongchang Phom, Additional Director of Agriculture, Nagaland, who served as the event’s Chief Guest, echoed these sentiments, noting that millets have been a staple food in the region since ancestral times. He stressed the need to preserve and promote these grains for future generations.
The event featured stalls displaying a variety of millet products to educate the public on the benefits of incorporating millets into their diet. Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, this initiative reflects India’s larger push to make millets a household staple and secure a healthier future for all.