Indian embassy organizes millets promotion event at Mughal Mahal

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‘Make living better and healthier’

KUWAIT CITY, June 5: Further to its objective of spreading awareness about the ecological, nutritional and economical benefits of millets the Indian embassy in Kuwait has dedicated June to promote these cereal crops by organizing the first event at the Mughal Mahal outlet in Sharq. Speaking at the first launch of the event, the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait HE Dr Adarsh Swaika, said, under the leadership and vision of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, the Government of India celebrated 2018 as National Year of Millets with the determination to turn adoption of millets as a people’s movement, and is now spearheading the celebration of IYOM 2023.

As part of overall efforts of the government of India throughout India and Indian missions and other stakeholders abroad, the Indian envoy said, the aim is to popularize the consumption of millets for a sustainable and beneficial lifestyle since millets are known to be a healthier option and has several other benefits. This time, the Indian envoy added, the embassy has taken one step forward by reaching out to common man in terms of including millets in their daily diet and the embassy is making all efforts to make the cereals available in this part of the world.

During the event, Ms Diviya Kalra, daughter of Ashok Kalra managing partner of Mughal Mahal, put up an elaborate display of dishes prepared from millets. Ms Kalra who wants to step into the footsteps of her father, also gave a brief presentation on the benefits of millets and how millets can “enrich our lives and make living better and healthier.”

Millet refers to several varieties of small-seeded grasses that are cultivated as grain crops. Amongst these, pearl millet (bajra), finger millet (ragi) and sorghum (jowar) are the most popular. Minor millets include foxtail, barnyard and others. These crops are grown in marginal and dry lands in several countries in Asia and Africa, with India being the world’s largest millet producer. The global fame of this coarse grain can be traced back to March 2021, when the United Nations (UN) General Assembly at its 75th session declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM2023). Millets — which are an excellent source of Vitamins A and B, potassium, calcium and iron — helps control blood sugar, improves the digestive system, protects cardiovascular health, prevents onset of diabetes, good source of antioxidants and helps on weight loss. The Mughal Mahal with the help of the Embassy of India, Kuwait would also like to raise awareness to ensure this crop is no longer neglected and the population in Kuwait gets to reap the various benefits of millets.

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