Golden Grain Initiative: NERAMAC Promotes India’s Superfood for a Healthier Tomorrow

“Promotion of Millets in India” initiative was organised by North-Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India began at Aijal Club, Aizawl today. The event aim at generating awareness and promote benefits of millet consumption to create an upstream effect of increased production by farmers. Pu P.C. Vanlalruata, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Government of Mizoram while delivering his keynote address commended the effort being taken by NERAMAC in the Agri-Horti sector in general and for promotion of Millets for a healthier tomorrow in specific. He mentioned that Millet is a ‘superfood’ in a true sense and that a collaborative effort between NABARD, NERAMAC and the State Government would yield beneficial results to farmers. He also talked about the practice of millet production (through Jhum) and its widespread consumption a few generations earlier. With this perspective, he mentioned the need to bring back the gain into daily consumption through modern cultivation methods. 

Commodore Rajiv Ashok (Retd), Managing Director, NERAMAC, while setting the context for the event and welcoming the dignitaries, farmers, entrepreneurs and other participants highlighted the benefits of millets, India’s Golden Grain which is a nutritional powerhouse and reasons to use them as an alternative to rice. He also spoke about the Government of India’s thrust towards this produce over the last few years leading up to the world recognizing it in the form of an International Year of Millets in 2023, and NERAMAC’s drive to make India’s Golden Grain a household name.  Smt. Ramdinliani, IAS Secretary, Agriculture Government of Mizoram, highlighted that it was essential to preserve and promote millets for food security, agri-diversity and its nutritious nature. She appreciated NERAMAC’s efforts for taking up the cause of Millet consumption and agriculture in general. 

The event was also graced by Smt. Pankaja Borah, General Manager (I/C), Regional Office NABARD among others.  The highlights of the event are the stalls displaying Millet products for sale and awareness of the public at large. The event witnessed participation of around sixty beneficiaries, including millet farmers and entrepreneurs from Assam and Mizoram. The event is supported by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.