The Ministry of Home Affairs in India has announced that millets will now be included in the daily meals of personnel in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), according to ANI. This decision comes after discussions with all forces and on the “clarion call” of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the MHA said in a statement. Millets are referred to as “super grain” due to their richness in proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber. The United Nations General Assembly has recognized the growing importance of millets and has declared 2023-24 as the International Year of Millets.
This decision by the MHA follows the Indian Army’s announcement in March that millets would be an integral part of their daily meals. The Army said that the decision was taken to ensure that troops were supplied with native and traditional grains, PTI reported. The Army also said that traditional millet foods have proven health benefits and are suited to India’s geographical and climatic conditions. Including millet in the daily meals of troops is a vital step in mitigating lifestyle diseases and enhancing satisfaction and morale, the Army added.
The Army will procure millet flour not exceeding 25% of the authorized entitlement of cereals (rice and wheat atta) in rations for troops commencing from the year 2023-24. Three popular varieties of millets flour — Bajra, Jowar, and Ragi — will be issued to troops.
The inclusion of millets in the daily meals of CAPFs and NDRF personnel is a welcome move, as millets are a rich source of nutrients and are suited to India’s climate and geographical conditions. This move is also in line with the United Nations’ recognition of the importance of millets and the declaration of 2023-24 as the International Year of Millets.
