The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYoM-2023). This is to create domestic and global demand and to provide nutritional food to the people of the country. Millets are small-grained, annual, warm-weather cereals belonging to the grass family. Jowar (Sorghum), Bajra (Pearl Millet) and ragi (Finger Millet) are the important millets cultivated in India. Small Millets such as Proso (Cheena), Kodo (Kodra, Arikelu), Fox tail (Kangni/Korra), Barnyard (Varai, Sawa), Little Millet (kutki) are also grown in the country.

In order to encourage production and consumption of millets, Government of India notified millets as Nutri-Cereals in April, 2018, which includes Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua) & Minor Millets namely; Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun), Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet (Kodo), Barnyard Millet (Sawa/Sanwa/ Jhangora), Little Millet (Kutki) and two Pseudo -millets viz Buckwheat (Kuttu) and Amaranthus (Chaulai).

Eat Right Millet Mela was organized in Meghalaya, Shillong on the 28th and 29th of March 2023, by the Commissionerate of Food Safety, Health & Family Welfare Department. The 2 (Two) days event has been organized to promote the production and consumption of millet to improve nutritional value and strengthen the immunity in both the urban and rural consumer in Meghalaya. More than twenty stalls have been set up on the premises of the event to showcase different varieties of cuisines related to Millets. The Event started with a marathon and flagged off by Shri. Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Govt. of Meghalaya, Health and Family Welfare, Dept Shillong in the presence of Smti. R.M Kurbah, IAS, Commissioner of Food Safety, Joint Director FSSAI and team, along with Officers and staffs of the Commissionerate. Hon’ble Health Minister, Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh inaugurated the 2 (two) days ‘Eat Right Millet Mela’ by ribbon cutting and lamp lighting on the first day of the Mela.

Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh spoke about Millet Mission which has empowered the agriculture sector to produce a good amount of Millet. The Millet production will benefit not only the consumers in meeting its nutritional requirements, but can also increase the income of many farmers within the State. The Joint Director, FSSAI, ERO, Kolkata inaugurated the Millet stalls in the presence of Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety, Shri O.D Sangma; Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, Smti D.B.S Mukhim (East Khasi Hills); Head of the State Food Testing Laboratory, Dr. Wadamika Lyngdoh; Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, Smti. A.B. Tyngkan (West Jaintia Hills); Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, Smti. Tangme CH Marak (West Garo Hills) and Food Safety Officers.

Delegates from both Central and State Government undertakings, school students, teachers, farmers, and entrepreneurs participated in the various programmes such as, quiz competition with the theme, “Millet and its Health Benefits”, Extempore Speech on the theme, “Millets of its Benefits & is there a need to revive this crop”, slogan writing with the theme, “Millet a forgotten crop” and cooking competition on the theme, “A Sumptuous Millet Breakfast”. A powerpoint presentation on the Theme “Modern Processing Technologies of Millets & Business Opportunity” by Dr. Suresh Sakhare provided beneficial information on the advantages of Millets. A panel discussion on the Theme “Millets of its Benefits why do we need to revive this Crop” was set up whereby an interaction between the dignitaries, students and participants was observed.

The exhibition showcased different types of millets products by our local manufacturers. A few entrepreneur’s also introduced Finger Millet Beer, locally known as, Krai/kre from Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. The event was open to everyone and the participants were able to enjoy various millet based snacks and dishes.

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