NERAMAC’s 'Golden Grain initiative' promotes millets for healthier diets in Nagaland

Dimapur: The North-Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), hosted an event on October 28, 2024 aimed at raising awareness and promoting millets as a staple for better health and sustainable agriculture. The event, which goes by the title ‘Promotion of Millets in India’ took place at Zone Naithu by the Park in Dimapur. Officials from Nagaland’s Agriculture Department, local farmers, entrepreneurs, and many others gathered to discuss millet's nutritional and agricultural benefits at the event.

Rajiv Ashok, Managing Director of NERAMAC, welcomed the guests, highlighting millet's potential as India’s 'Golden Grain.' He emphasised its nutritional benefits, describing it as a powerful alternative to traditional grains like rice. He also noted that the Government of India has promoted millet production extensively, including celebrating the International Year of Millets in 2023. NERAMAC's mission, he added, is to make millet a household staple across India.

Rajiv Ashok underscored the importance of NERAMAC’s partnership with the Nagaland Government to boost millet production in the region, praising Nagaland’s farmers for their efforts to popularise the grain. He shared that millet is considered a ‘superfood’ and essential for food security, agricultural diversity, and nutrition.

Shri S Yongchang Phom, Additional Director of Agriculture for Nagaland and Chief Guest of the event, echoed the significance of preserving millet as a traditional staple of the region’s ancestors. He emphasised millet's role in ensuring food security and promoting agri-diversity, commending NERAMAC for championing millet's return to daily diets.

ALSO READ: Signature Global awards Rs 1,203 cr contract to Capacit'e Infra for housing project in Gurugram

The event featured stalls with a variety of millet products, showcasing the crop’s versatility and availability to the public. Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, the initiative encourages a shift toward healthier and more sustainable eating habits through millet consumption.