A massive programme for the popularisation of millets in the State is in the offing.

This NADP (National Agricultural Development Programme) envisages nutritional security through intensive promotion of millets.

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor K. Ramasamy told Business Line that the Varsity would help popularise millets through supply of quality seeds, machinery for processing of farm produce and helping interested farmers develop value-added millets products.

“There is an urgent need to push this programme as 40 per cent of our children are malnourished,” observed Ramasamy. The State Governmenthad announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Millets in the Budget. This centre will come up in Tiruvannamalai.

The estimated investment on this Centre of Excellence is Rs 20 crore, Ramasamy said, adding “a nodal funding of Rs one crore is expected during the current year.” To a query on TNAU’s role in this initiative, he said “the University will be the nodal agency for the State. Besides redeploying staff, we plan to provide processing machinery to Self Help Groups. We are in the process of modifying the equipment and giving it to the SHGs.” In the initial phase of this initiative, the millet processing machinery would be given 35 SHGs. While imparting lessons on the use of the processing machinery, the Farm Varsity is also contemplating branding value-added millets products to create better awareness amongst consumers.

“Traditionally, these millets, such as ragi, kumbu, veragu are used in making health mixes. We have plans to introduce the millets in temples,” he said.

“That’s not all. We intend to rope in Chef Damodaran for popularising the use of millets in food preparation. Wait for yummy recipes,” he said.

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