On January 15, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh inaugurated the "Eat Right Millet Mela." It was organised by the Punjab Food and Drug Administration and the Health and Family Welfare Department (FDA). Kultar Singh Sandhwan, the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha, and Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh were also present.
"Coarse grains, including bajra, jowar, and ragi, have been forgotten, while their consumption is extremely important for our physical and mental health," Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh said at an event held at Shivalik Public School here.
He stated that today, there is a need to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of coarse grains and to foster an environment conducive to their production.
"Conducting this fair to make people aware of the benefits of millet, i.e. coarse grain, in this day and age is a commendable initiative," said Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan.
“Coarse grains used to be an important part of our diet, but due to major changes in our lifestyle and food, these have disappeared from our plate," he added.
According to health officials, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2023 to be the 'International Year of Millets,' under which these fairs are being organized in states on the orders of the Government of India.
The Civil Surgeon encouraged people to attend the fair in order to learn more about the benefits of millets.
Kheti Virasat Mission, a natural farming organization, emphasized the cultivation of coarse grains and urged people to include this basic grain in their daily diet.
