Embrace the Millet Movement: Unveiling the Millets Experience Centre in Dilli Haat

Welcome to the world of millets, where health meets taste! the first-of-its-kind ‘Millets Experience Centre (MEC)’ was inaugurated at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi. This visionary initiative, was led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with NAFED, aimed to raise awareness about millets and encourage their adoption among the general public. As we celebrate the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023), India takes center stage in championing millets as a crop that benefits farmers, the environment, and consumers alike.

Overview

The Millets Experience Centre (MEC) at Dilli Haat was a consumer-oriented establishment that showcases the dietary benefits of millets while popularizing them as a nutritional powerhouse. Here, visitors could indulge in a unique dining experience, savoring a variety of millet-based dishes like dosa and pasta. Additionally, the MEC offered a delightful shopping experience, allowing customers to purchase ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products from local millet start-ups. This convergence of gastronomic delights and retail therapy made the MEC an all-encompassing destination for millet enthusiasts.

Key Bullet Points

1. The United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023), with India at the forefront of the celebrations.
2. The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has been actively promoting millets through various initiatives, starting with the declaration of the National Year of Millets in 2018.
3. The Millets Experience Centre (MEC) at Dilli Haat served as a stepping stone towards India’s aspiration of becoming a global hub for millets.
4. Dilli Haat, situated in the heart of Delhi, attracted visitors from all around the world, providing an excellent platform to showcase India’s ‘Millet Movement‘.
5. The MEC not only highlights the environmental, health, and economic benefits of millet farming but also promotes millets as a versatile grain through an expansive menu and a wide variety of millet-based products.
6. The government aims to mainstream millets by establishing more Millet Experience Centres in Delhi and other states through partnerships with retail chains, hotels, and the F&B industry.
7. The MEC acted as a catalyst for healthier alternatives, meeting the growing demand from consumers who seek nutritious options.
8. Collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and NAFED strengthens the promotion of millets and supports the execution of IYM-2023.
9. Local millet-based start-ups contributed to the MEC by offering a diverse range of millet products, promoting healthy snacking, and encouraging customers to adopt millets-centric diets.

Conclusion

As we embark on the International Year of Millets, India is determined to position itself as a global leader in millet cultivation and consumption. The Millets Experience Centre (MEC) at Dilli Haat stands as a testament to this commitment, providing a platform to explore the wonders of millets. With a focus on health, taste, and sustainability, the MEC is set to revolutionize the way we perceive and embrace millets. Join us on this exciting journey as we discover the remarkable potential of millets and witness the ‘Millet Movement’ unfold before our eyes.