FSSAI will soon formulate guidelines for schools, hospitals, government canteens etc., to incorporate millets as nutritional options in the food menu. This was stated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, in the presence of Minister of State (HFW), Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar, as he unveiled FSSAI's new year calendar commemorating the International Year of Millets 2023.
He acknowledged that nearly all offices have some form of canteen in their establishment, which serves as another means of introducing people to the concept of healthy eating.
Highlighting that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision that led to the designation of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, also known as "wonder food" due to its numerous health benefits, he added that this year presents a unique opportunity for FSSAI to play a critical role in raising awareness about millets and contributing to their integration into our daily lives.
"Let us have a 'Healthy Food Street or Food Hub' in every town and district where millet-based recipes are available along with hygienic amenities," Dr Mandaviya said. He believes the FSSAI can take the lead in implementing this.
“The 'International Year of Millets' represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to boost global production, ensure efficient processing and consumption, encourage better crop rotation utilisation, and promote better connectivity throughout food systems in order to promote millets as a key component of the food basket," he added.
The Union Health Minister stated once more that "With a production of more than 170 lakh tonnes, India is poised to become the global hub for millets, accounting for more than 80% of millets produced in Asia.” G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI, Inoshi Sharma, Executive Director of FSSAI, and senior MoHFW officials were also present.
