Powerful Grains for a Flourishing Nation: Tony Abbott Commends PM Modi's Millets Promotion
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Synopsis
During his visit to India, former Australian PM Tony Abbott commended PM Modi for his efforts in promoting millets and traditional grains on a global scale, emphasizing their health benefits and sustainability.
Key Takeaways
- Tony Abbott praises PM Modi's efforts in millet promotion.
- Abbott visits the NAFED Millet Experience Centre.
- Millets are recognized as super foods.
- India proposed 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
- Millets are a sustainable food choice.
New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) The former Prime Minister of Australia, Tony Abbott, during his current trip to India, has expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's significant role in revitalizing traditional grains and enhancing their international appeal.
On Friday, Abbott toured the NAFED Millet Experience Centre located at Dilli Haat in New Delhi to understand India's initiatives in advocating for Shree Anna (millets) as a sustainable and nutritious food alternative.
"I am thrilled to be here at the millet centre, thanks to Prime Minister Modi's invitation. I commend him for prioritizing millet promotion as a vital aspect of social upliftment for the people of India. I must admit, I was not well-acquainted with millets. In Australia, we predominantly consume wheat and rice, but the various dishes here are both delicious and healthy," Abbott remarked to the media during his visit.
While at the centre, the former Australian PM was introduced to a variety of Ready-to-Cook (RTC) and Ready-to-Eat (RTE) products made from multiple types of millets, along with millet staples such as grains, flours, and sprouted flours.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Abbott expressed interest in establishing a similar millet awareness program in Australia due to its environmentally friendly and healthy attributes. He also underscored that millets are the "super food for a super country".
“At the Millet Experience Centre, Anthony John Abbott also explored millet-based culinary innovations such as Millet Papdi Chaat, Millet Pasta in Mixed Sauce, Ragi Ghee Roast Masala Dosa, and Ragi Cake, highlighting the versatility of these grains that can be seamlessly integrated into daily diets while preserving high nutritional value,” stated the ministry.
Millets, often dubbed "super grains", are globally acknowledged for their rich fiber, protein, and micronutrient content, establishing them as a crucial element of a balanced diet. The Millet Experience Centre exemplifies India's commitment to endorsing millets as a climate-resilient and health-centric food option, according to the ministry.
“This visit underscores the growing global interest in millets as a sustainable crop and reinforces the importance of traditional food systems for a healthier future,” the ministry added.
To generate both domestic and international demand and provide nutritious food to the populace, the Government of India proposed to the United Nations to designate 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYoM-2023).
This initiative received backing from 72 countries, culminating in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets on March 5, 2021.
