World Food Day 2024: Millets are the buzzword in food these days with everybody talking about the potential of these humble and ancient grains to change the way we eat. While 2023 was deemed the Year Of Millet, the grains are still capturing hearts and imaginations, and on the occasion of World Food Day 2024, let's take closer look at the story of one scrappy entrepreneurial venture that has become celebrated for their work with the grain. Across the country, organisations and eateries are highlighting local grains in innovative ways and Rohini Patanaik and Deepa Singh are even leveraging the millet power to uplift their local society through Chhattisgarh’s first-ever Millet Cafe in Raigarh.In 2022 the idea of the Millet Cafe was conceived when Rohini and some of the women of the Women and Child Development department went for training in Odisha to learn how to cook with ragi. There Rohini shares that they tried millet idlis and with that bite, the idea of a cafe devoted to the power of millets began to emerge. In May she along with her sahelis (friends) and with the help of Bhim Singh – who was the Raigarh collector at the time, and the organisation Transform Rural India (TRI), they turned that dream into a reality. The Government of Chhattisgarh has also launched an initiative called Millets Mission which supports local entrepreneurs who are engaged in work with millets. The cafe received an unexpected boost of fame when Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned them his show Mann Ki Baat, praising their initiative and mission. The shoutout caused a surge of interest in the cafe and since then it’s been thriving and providing customers with a unique meal while also giving back to the local community. “Millets are not just good for you, they’re good for the farmers also,” says Rohini when asked about the benefits of millets. At this time, the Millet Cafe is partnered with around 50 local farmers who supply them with all the millets they need to curate their unique menu.
At the Millet Cafe promoting the production and consumption of millets is essential, as they are rich in gluten-free, high-quality nutrients that can be offered at an affordable price. “Our strong commitment to this initiative reflects our passionate and ambitious dedication to enhancing customer service and personal experiences while supporting local communities,” they say, “and by focusing on millets, we aim to provide a healthier, sustainable alternative in the food and beverage sector, benefiting both consumers and the environment.”Also Read: While everything on the menu is locally sourced, the dishes themselves showcase flavours from around the world. Pizzas, noodles, momos, pasta, cookies, they've got a little bit of everything, all with a millet twist. When asked why their menu is geared towards Western tastes Rohini explains that children are always going to love ‘junk’ food like pizzas and pastas, but by making them with millets they can at least make sure they’re getting them to eat ‘healthy junk’. “People of all ages come to our cafe for different things,” she says, “some like the ragi laddoos, and others come to get millet birthday cakes. Everyone has different tastes, but everybody loves millet.” In Asia, India accounts for 80% of millet production, contributing 20% to the global total. However, this significant production has not translated into substantial income for millet farmers in India. To ensure that these farmers can achieve financial gains, initiatives like the Millet Cafe and the work being done by TRI are essential to grow the opportunities in the millet space and make farming millets income-smart. To extend the potential beyond the current focus on the climate, water, and soil benefits of millets to make them a necessary part of the backbone of the Indian economy. Chhattisgarh historically has been known as the rice of India and millets occupy a comparatively marginal position within the minds of the state’s farming community, but with the hard work and passion of women like Rohini, tides are turning and the future of millets is beginning to look like a bright one.You may also like
SCO meeting: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif stays silent on Kashmir
'My son has come back': Murdered fan Renukaswamy's father as grandson born
Alastair Cook, Neetu David And AB De Villiers Inducted Into The ICC Hall Of Fame As Class Of 2024
'Stylish' ankle wellies are 'so comfortable and a godsend in wet weather' - and under £20
Diwali BONANZA! Haryana anganwadi workers salary hike announced ahead of festival
YSRCP leader Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy summoned for questioning in TDP office attack case
Jagmeet Singh calls for sanctions against Indian diplomats and ban on RSS amid diplomatic row
Ex-Liverpool player names the team to stop Man City - but it's not the Reds
Cabinet approves 3 pc hike in DA of central govt employees
Liverpool's Conor Bradley 'had goosebumps' after setting new Northern Ireland record
Conor McGregor fight date shot down immediately by opponent he called out
UAE: Insurers lost up to more than Dh9 billion in heavy April rains this year
Pakistan calls for expansion of China's Belt and Road Initiative
Rohit Sharma has the responsibility of continuing the reign of 36 years, New Zealand will be tested again.
Remove burn marks from a cooker using 1 simple item - not oven cleaner or vinegar
British influencer dies after falling from 192 meters high Castilla-La Mancha bridge
Why is BCCI preparing to remove Harmanpreet Kaur? 5 big reasons came to light including Team India's defeat.
Every trophy Thomas Tuchel has won as ex-Chelsea boss takes charge of England
Trouble Sleeping? Say Goodbye to Insomnia with These 8 Simple Yet Effective Tips
What could happen if Donald Trump rejects the US election results