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Category: Millets Recipes

How Millet Food Festival ensuring Nutritional Security of Tribals in Odisha
Millet Food Festival Ensuring Nutritional Security:
Nutritional Security is achieved ”when all people at all times consume food of sufficient quantity and quality in terms of variety, diversity, nutrient content and safety to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life, coupled with a sanitary environment, adequate health, education and care” (FAO, 2012). No doubt, now India is self-sufficient in food grain production but we are facing the challenges of nutritional security.
So, India is taking a lot of initiative for achieving Nutritional Security by 2030. In Odisha, it is clearly mentioned in Samrudhi (Agriculture Policy-2020) in which the Vision aimed at continuously raising farmers’ income and welfare while ensuring nutritional security. Nutrition has become the mainstream of all agriculture activities. Odisha Millet Mission Model is one of the programs ensuring nutritional security.
Food Festival under Odisha Millet Mission:
Special Programme for Promotion of Millets in Tribals Areas of Odisha (Odisha Millet Mission) was launched by the Government of Odisha in 2017 to revive millets in farms and on plates. Under this mission, Millet Food Festival is a program of 2 days. On the first day, the tribal women are trained in making millet recipes, and on the 2nd day, they come with their own millet recipes. This program helps in bringing the forgotten millet recipes and also it gives learning for other women.
Related Post: Traditional Millet Recipes of Koraput and their Perceptions
Millet Food Festival in Koraput:
Millets are part of everyone’s diet in the tribal areas of Koraput. We cannot live without millets as it gives us more energy to do all the activities throughout the day. Every morning starts with Mandia Jau (Ragi Porridge) said by Jema Majhi of PaikaPuki village of Gadiaguda Gram Panchayat in Dasamantpur Block.
Millet Food Festivals were organized by DHAN Foundation in Dasamantpur Block. The tribal women were trained on the importance of millets and their nutritional value. They were taught how to make murukkus, ragi pakodas, ragi ladoos, and many more. The children of the village liked the millet recipes which were made on the first day.
In 2019, when I was doing my Project Work on “Utilization of Finger Millet in Nutritional Security” could find out that including millets in the mid-day meals and in ICDS will increase the consumption of millets among the children. Many farmers’ concern was that their children hesitate to take millet food at home and they recommended including it in mid-day meals. Many children said that they don’t like ”Mandia Jau” every day but like to have ragi ladoos, ragi biscuits, cake, idli, dosa, millet upma, etc.
On this day, the tribal women came with many recipes made out of Finger Millet, Little Millet, and Foxtail Millet. Finger Millet is the main crop of most farmers in Koraput as it is easy in cultivating, processing and make food items. But it is not the same case with Little Millet and Foxtail Millet as these millets require processing and it is very difficult to do.
I was very happy to see the millet recipes. Really they have the talent in making awesome recipes. Now, let us see some recipes made by them on the Millet Food Festival Day.
Mandia Anda (Ragi Balls with Rice)
Mandia Ponosh Raav( Ragi Flour mixed with Jack Fruit)
The combination of Mandia Anda with Mandia Ponosh Raav is enjoyed by the children. As you know Jack fruit is known as the poor man’s fruit rich in vitamins A, B, C, and Calcium, potassium, proteins, iron, and carbohydrates. When millets mixed with fruits and vegetables it enhances the nutrition profile of the food.
Women feeding Millet food to her grandson
Scientists have found out that a combination of Millets with Pulses increases the quality of protein. The proportion of essential amino acids in millets and pulses complement each other. One such recipe was with millets and arhar dal. In this recipe, water is taken in a kadai and heated up and then the greens and soaked arhar dal are put into it. Turmeric, chili, and salt are added. When it is cooked properly, ragi flour and tamarind are put into it. It is cooked for some time and the recipe is ready. The uniqueness I marked in most of the recipes is that they don’t use oil and spicy masala.
Mandia Kandul Raav (Ragi flour is mixed with Arhar Dal)
In the beginning, they were a little shy to come out with the millet recipes but later on when they were encouraged and motivated. They were told that the best millet recipes will be awarded a prize. Few of them were excited to participate in this program. Looking into the uniqueness of the recipes, the first, second, and third were chosen and awarded. I could mark their happiness when distributing the prizes to the winners.
Distribution of Prize to the Winner
Such Food Festival will encourage the women to make the forgotten millet recipes and it will be learning for other women when they exchange their ideas on how to make the millet recipes. In this way, we can revive the millets on plates and thus ensure Nutritional Security in the tribal areas of Odisha.

Author: Tapas Chandra Roy, Certified Farm Advisor-Millets
April 25, 2021
How to Cook Millets Perfectly – Its Simple and Easy – 5 Millet Recipes
How to Cook Millets Perfectly:
Millets the Superfood, the powerhouse of nutrients that are rich in iron, calcium, protein, vitamins phytochemicals, and anti-oxidants. Due to its magical properties, it has again come back to our plate. These grains were completely lost and we also forgot or not familiar with them. In the beginning, it was also a problem for me to cook millets. But gradually I became acquainted with it.
Today, in this blog I will be sharing all my experience and how to cook millets perfectly. We will be discussing the following points:
1. Millets and types of millets
2. How the millet grains look after dehulling
3. Best Way to Cook millets
4. My Favourite Millet Recipes
Millets and Types of Millets:
Millets are the small-seeded grains that are gluten-free, diabetic-friendly with full of nutrients, we can say the treasure of nutrients. It was mostly consumed in every household in India but slowly it was disappearing from our plate due to our more preference for wheat and rice. But now, due to lifestyle diseases again we are bringing back to our diet.
There are 9 types of Millets grown in India and if you like to have a glance at each millet, then this article is for you: Close View of Millets
How the Millets grains look after Dehulling:
The right technique to cook millet is to go with measurement. If the measurement of millet grains and water is perfect, we get the right cooked millets. Lets us follow some tips before and after cooking millets.
Soaking of Millets:
When both parents are working and there is always a hurry in cooking breakfast or lunch and the same case is ours. So, we decide what to cook the next day before going to bed. We always soak the millets overnight and it becomes easy and fast in cooking. The best thing is that soaking millets for 6-8 hours breaks down the phytic acid and becomes easy for digestion. If you are planning to cook millet, remember to soak it overnight.
Measurement of Water and Grains:
We require water as per the Millet Recipe we plan to cook. Let me give you the exact measurement for different recipes.
- Millet Rice – 1:2 (Millet : Water)
- Millet Upma with Vegetables – 1:2.5
- Millet Khichdi with Pulses & Vegetables – 1:3
- Millet Pongal/Porridge – 1:4
Cooking Time:
Generally, we require about 20-25 minutes for cooking Millets. If we are cooking in a pressure cooker, we need to go for 2 whistles on a medium flame, and if in an earthen pot/vessel we need to cook for 12-13 minutes on medium flame by covering with a lid. After 12-13 minutes turn off the gas and give a resting time of 10 minutes. Resting time makes the millets fluffy.
When we are cooking in a pressure cooker for up to 2 whistles, we need to allow to rest for 10 minutes or up to release pressure.
My Favourite Millets Recipes:
- Millet Pulao Recipe: Millet Pulao Recipe is delicious, healthy, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Millets are good for health as it is gluten-free, rich in dietary fiber, and also helps in weight loss. In this pulao recipe, I have taken Foxtail Millet. But you can take Kodo Millet, Barnyard Millet, or Little Millet. Read More
Millet Pulao Recipe
- Foxtail Millet Upma Recipe: Foxtail Millet is diabetic and heart-friendly. It is used as an energy source for pregnant and lactating women, and for sick people and children. Foxtail Millet releases glucose steadily without affecting the metabolism of the body so, it has a low glycemic index. The incidence of diabetes is found to be rare among the people consuming foxtail millet. Read More
Foxtail Millet Upma Recipe
- Barnyard Millet Upma Recipe in an Clay/Earthen Pot: Cooking in a Clay/Earthen pot increases the taste, flavour and aroma of the food. When we visit Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri, Odisha we never miss the Prasad ccoked in an earthern pot. So, I thought of sharing the Millet Recipe cooked in an earthen pot and you can give a try.
- Proso Millet Khichdi: Millet Khichdi is healthy and nutritious. This recipe is good for children as I also give it to my daughter of 5 years old. This recipe is made using ingredients like proso millet with dal and many vegetables. In the case of vegetables, you can add as per your choice.
- Kodo Millet Chicken Biriyani: Biriyani is the royal food introduced in India by the Mughals. It is consumed in most of the family during special occasions. Chicken Biriyani is a delicious savory dish loaded with spicy marinated chicken and flavored with spices. In India, everyone makes biriyani with basmati rice but here I have replaced it with Millets. As you know Millets are more nutritious and healthy for us. This recipe is made with Kodo Millet and named it Special Millet Chicken Biriyani. Really, I mean it as the aroma and flavor of the Indian spices are imbibed into it with the spice bag and the homemade biriyani masala. Read More
Special Millet Chicken Biriyani
Hope this blog will help you in cooking millets perfectly and you can start adding millets to your regular diet. I am promoting millets from ”Farm to Plate” so that the goodness of millets reach maximum people. Please do subscribe to my Youtube Channel for more updates on Millet Recipes.

Author: Tapas Chandra Roy, Certified Farm Advisor on Millets. Promoting Millets from ”Farm to Plate”.
February 12, 2021
Special Yummy Millet Pulao Recipe
Millet Pulao Recipe:
Millet Pulao Recipe is delicious, healthy, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Millets are good for health as it is gluten-free, rich in dietary fiber, and also helps in weight loss. In this pulao recipe, I have taken Foxtail Millet. But you can take Kodo Millet, Barnyard Millet, or Little Millet.
It was the day of our daughter’s birthday, we decided to make something special on this occasion for dinner. I thought of making Foxtail Millet Pulao with vegetables and Panner. It turned out tasty and delicious so I thought of sharing it with you.
Foxtail Millet Nutritional Value and Health Benefits:
Nutritional Value of Foxtail Millet per 100 grams:
- Carbohydrates – 60.9 g
- Fats – 4.3 g
- Protein – 12.3 g
- Calcium – 31 mg
- Crude Fibre – 8 g
- Iron – 5 g
- Phosphorous – 290 mg
- Minerals – 3.3 g
Health Benefits of Foxtail Millet:
Foxtail Millet is rich in dietary fiber and the Tryptophan content helps in the weight loss journey. It is good for diabetic patients as it has a low glycemic index. It can also be consumed by pregnant women and children as it is rich in nutrients and minerals.
Related Post: Identification of Millets
Now let us see what are ingredients required for making the millet pulao recipe.
Ingredients required for Millet Pulao Recipe:
- Foxtail Millet – 2 Cup
- Carrots- 100 gm
- Beans – 100 gm
- Green Peas – 50 gm
- Cauliflower – 50 gm
- Green Chillies – 5 pcs
- Panner – 100 gm
- Cashew – 25 gm
- Raisins – 25 gm
- Cloves – 5 pcs
- Cardamon – 4 pcs
- Cinnamon – 4 inch
- Black Pepper – 1 tsp
- Gram Masala – 1 tsp
- Bay Leaves – 3 pcs
- Chopped Coriander Leaves – 2 tbsp
- Ghee – 2 tbsp
- Salt as per taste
How to make Millet Pulao Recipe:
In this recipe, I have taken the Foxtail Millet and soaked it for 8 hours. Soaking millets helps in proper digestion and helps in better absorption of nutrients in the body as well as makes it easy for cooking. It can be cooked in a pressure cooker and earthen pot. Previously I have made millet recipes which you can check – Millet Upma in Earthern Pot and Special Millet Chicken Biriyani.
1. Take a pressure cooker and heat it and add 1 tbsp of ghee. Put 3 bay leaves and 1-inch cinnamon. Saute it well and add the soaked foxtail millet. Then add water, two times the millet took, and add a pinch of salt. Cover it with the lead and wait for 2 whistles.
2. In the meanwhile cut the panner into small cubes and chop the beans, carrot, and cauliflower into small pieces(1 inch).
3. Take a Kadai, heat it, and put 1/2 tsp of ghee, and put the cut panner pieces. Fry it till light golden color.
4. By this time millet is cooked, open the lid, and keep aside to cool down.
5. Again take a Kadai, put 2 tbsp of ghee, and put the cloves, 4 cardamons, 2-inch cinnamon, and black pepper. Saute it well and put the cashew and fry it for 1 minute. Fry cashew in medium heat.
6. Put the chopped cauliflower, beans, and carrot and fry it for 2 minutes on high flame and cover it with a lid for another 3 minutes on medium heat.
7. Open the lid and put the green peas and raisins and saute it well.
8. Add the salt as per taste and put the garam masala powder and saute it well for 1 minute.
9. Add the cooked foxtail millet into it. Ensure to break the lumps properly. Mix it well with all ingredients and put the fried panner and green chilies and chopped coriander leaves.
10. Cover it with a lid for 20 minutes on low heat.
11. Open the lid and serve it hot with aloo dum and salad. You can also have raita with it.
I hope you liked the millet pulao recipe. Soon will be coming with another awesome millet recipe. Keep sharing the millet recipes with your friends and relatives as millets are rich in nutrients and it is healthy.
Please let me know how the Millet Pulao Recipe turned out with you.
Author: Tapas Chandra Roy, A Certified Farm Advisor on Millets, ‘Promoting Millets from Farm to Plate’. In a mission to take the forgotten grains- Millets to Millions. To remain updated on my blogs on millets you can join my Telegram Channel – Millet Advisor.
November 15, 2020
Best Millet Chicken Biriyani – Full of Aroma and Flavour
Millet Chicken Biriyani:
Special Millet Chicken Biriyani
Biriyani is the royal food introduced in India by the Mughals. It is consumed in most of the family during special occasions. Chicken Biriyani is a delicious savory dish loaded with spicy marinated chicken and flavored with spices. In India, everyone makes biriyani with basmati rice but here I have replaced it with Millets. As you know Millets are more nutritious and healthy for us. Today, on Sunday bought a recipe made with Kodo Millet and named it Special Millet Chicken Biriyani. Really, I mean it as the aroma and flavor of the Indian spices are imbibed into it with the spice bag and the homemade biriyani masala.
FIRST AWARD WINNER MILLET RECIPE: Millet Rasgulla
Ingredients for Millet Chicken Biriyani:
Main Ingredients:
- Kodo Millet – 400 gms(2 Cups)
- Chicken – 500 gms
- Potato – 200 gms
- Eggs (Boiled) – 2 Nos.
Ingredients for marinating Chicken:
- Curd – 1/2 Cup
- Chilli Powder – 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp
- Tomato – 2 Nos.
- Onion (Fried) – 1 Nos.
- Ginger and Garlic Paste – 3/4 Cup
- Corinaber Leaves – 1 tbsp
- Salt – 10 gms
Ingredients for Cooking Millet:
- Water – 4 Cups
- Salt – 1 tsp
Spice Bag
- Bay leaves – 2 Nos.
- Javitri – 2 Pcs.
- Cardamon – 3 Nos.
- Black Pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Fennel Seeds – 1 tsp
- Cloves – 8 Nos.
- Marathi maggu – 2 Nos.
- Cinnamon – 1 inch
Ingredients for Cooking Chicken:
- Mustard Oil – 3/4 Cups
- Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
Ingredients for assembling chicken biriyani:
- Fried Onions – 2 Nos.
- Coriander Leaves – 2 tsp
- Milk- 4 tsp
- Saffron- 1 pinch
- Food Colour – 1 pinch
- Bay leaves – 6-8 Nos.
Biriyani Masala – 2 tsp
- Nutmeg/Jaiphool – 1/2 cut pcs.
- White Pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Coriander – 1/2 tsp
- Fennel Seeds – 1 tsp
- Bay leaves – 2 Nos.
- Javitri – 2 pcs
- Star Anise – 2 Nos.
Preparation of Millet Chicken Biriyani:
- Kodo Millet is washed properly and soaked overnight.
- Put the cut pieces of chicken in a bowl and then add curd.
- Followed by Chilli powder, turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste, chopped tomatoes, fried onion, chopped coriander leaves, and 10 gm of salt.
- Mix everything well and marinate the chicken. Cover it and set it aside for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, prepare the spice bag. Take a small cheesecloth and put the spices like bay leaves, javitri, cardamon, black pepper, fennel seeds, cloves, Marathi maggu, and cinnamon sticks. Tie it firmly with a thread.
- Take a pressure cooker. Add the water. Use the water used for soaking Kodo millet. Add the soaked Kodo Millet into it and place the spice bag at the center and cover it with a lid.
- Wait up to 2 whistles and then keep the pressure cooker aside to release the pressure automatically and after that open the lid and keep it to cool down.
- Meanwhile, prepare the biriyani masala. Take a frying pan and put all the spices like jaiphool/nutmeg, white pepper, black pepper, coriander seeds, star anise, fennel seeds, bay leaves, and javitri. Roast all the spices on a medium flame for 2 minutes.
- Let it cool down and then put in a grinder cup and powdered it.
- Then take a Kadai/big pot and turn the stove and after 2 minutes put the mustard oil and then the cumin seeds. Slowly add the cut potatoes and fry it on high flame till it turns golden brown in color.
- Add the marinated chicken into the Kadai and saute it for 5 minutes and cover the lid.
- Lower the flame to medium and cover and cook until the chicken is soft, tender, and completely cooked.
- Then comes the assembling of the chicken biriyani. Take a big pot, put the flame on low mode, and put the bay leaves on the lower portion of the pot. Put the first layer with the cooked Kodo millet add then add all the cooked chicken.
- Sprinkle with fried onions, coriander leaves, and biriyani masala on it and place the boiled eggs.
- Put the second layer of Kodo Millet and then add the milk mixed with saffron and food color. Add the leftover oil from the cooked chicken and sprinkle the fried onions and coriander leaves.
- Cover the pot with aluminum foil and then with a lid. Ensure that no air comes out from it.
- Cook the biriyani on a medium flame for 2 minutes and then for 8 minutes on a low flame.
- Serve the special millet chicken biriyani on a plate and enjoy it with raita.
Hope you liked the Special Millet Chicken Biriyani. Do comment on how it turns out with you. I must also acknowledge the pressure cooker which helped me to make this delicious recipe nicely. It was used for cooking the millet as well as in assembling the chicken biriyani.
My lovely daughter and wife, both contributed a lot to making this wonderful recipe. Without them it is impossible.
When we make a recipe involving everyone in the family, the taste increases manifold. This recipe was awarded 2nd Prize in the Millets Virtual Cooking Competition for ICAR Institutes & Families conducted by the Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad.
2nd Prize in the Cooking Contest
For more Millet Recipes, do follow my Youtube Channel.
September 22, 2020
5 Best Millets for Weight Loss
5 Best Millets for Weight Loss:
People are nowadays are very health conscious and finding food which is healthy around the globe. The best food which comes to my mind is the Millets. Due to the modern lifestyle, health-related problems like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, Millet is the best gift for human beings as they were the oldest foods that our forefathers were consuming. But due to the large-scale cultivation of wheat and rice has shifted our food habits.
Millets have many nutritional, nutraceutical, and health-promoting properties which will keep our body healthy, and the important aspects which I am going to say today is about the properties which will help in weight loss and the best millets for weight loss.
The unhealthy consumption of junk food has made people fatigue and in the long run, will affect our body and invite a lot of diseases. So the answer to all is the Millets.
Table of Contents:
1. Millets and types of Millets
2. Nutritional Value of Millets
3. Specific Content in Millets for Weight Loss
4. Millet Recipes to start with
5. Where to buy Millets
Millets and types of Millets:
Millets are the small-seeded grains that belong to the Poaceae family. They can be grown under marginal and low fertile soil with fewer inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. Now it is popularly known as Nutri-Cereals.

Based on the grain size, the millets are categorized into Major and Minor Millets. Under major, there are two kinds of millets, which include Sorghum (Jowar) and Pearl millet(Bajra). The Foxtail Millet(Kangni), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua), Little Millet(Kutki), Kodo Millet(Koden), Barnyard Millet(Sawan), Proso Millet(Cheena), and Browntop Millet(Korale).
Related Post: Types of Millets and its health Benefits
Based on the presence of husk on Millets it is categorized into two types- Naked grains and Husked grains. Naked grains (Finger Millet, Sorghum, and Pearl Millet) do not have hard indigestible husk as other millets. It does not require much processing as compared to the husked grains, whereas the Husked grains(Little Millet, Foxtail Millet, Barnyard Millet, Proso Millet, Browntop Millet, and Kodo Millet) requires proper processing for human consumption.
Click to Buy Best Millets Online
Identification of Dehulled Millet Grains: Best Millets for Weight loss
Identification of Dehulled Millet Grains

Nutritional Value of Millets: Best Millets for Weight Loss
Millets contain unique nutritional value especially complex carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, phytochemicals, and important dietary fiber. They are the natural source of Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorous, Potassium, and many other essential nutrients. The Calcium content in Ragi is 344 mg per 100 gram, which is the highest among the cereals.
Health Benefits of Millets
Click to Buy Best Millets Online
Specific Content in Best Millets for Weight Loss:
I think you must be familiar with the types of millet and the nutritional value of millets. So let us jump in to know the content of millets that are favoring weight loss in our body.
Calorie Content of Millets: Best Millets for Weight Loss
The calorie count of food is important with respect to weight loss or weight gain. From Research, it is found out that if we consume fewer calories than our body actually burns, may help us for losing weight faster. Barnyard Millet contains 307 kcal which you can include in your diet.
Dietary Fibre Content- Best Millets for Weight Loss:
As you know, the millets contain a lot of dietary fiber which helps to prevent constipation and reduce the risk of developing bowel disorders. But let’s see what are the function of dietary fiber in millets.
- Retardation of carbohydrate absorption and impaired glucose tolerance.
- In increasing the transit time of food in the gut.
- In water-absorbing.
- It helps in the binding of toxins as a detoxifying agent.
The above function of dietary fiber in millets directly helps in the weight loss of the body. So, it must be coming to mind which millet to choose. Looking into the dietary fiber, there are five millets that are rich in it, Sorghum(10.2 g), Pearl Millet (11.5 g), and Finger Millet(11.2g) (Source: Indian Food Composition Tables, NIN-2017), and Barnyard Millet (12.6 g).
Policosanols:
Research has found out that the intake of policosanols helps in weight loss. Sorghum(Jowar) contains policosanols which help in reducing cholesterol in our body.
Tryptophan: It is an alpha-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. The presence of tryptophan in Foxtail Millet(Kangni) gets digested at a slower rate and keeps us away from consuming extra calories in diet and favors in the weight loss journey.
Click to Buy Best Millets Online
So, the 5 Best Millets that will help us in Weight Loss are as follows:
1. Sorghum
2. Finger Millet
3. Barnyard Millet
4. Foxtail Millet
5. Pearl Millet
Best Millets Recipes to Start with the Journey of Weight Loss: Best Millets for Weight Loss
1. Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi Roti
2. Millet Upma: You can include Foxtail Millet and Barnyard Upma in your breakfast which is easy and quick to prepare. I have made many millet recipes that you can check in my blog as well as on my Youtube Channel.
Foxtail Millet Upma Recipe
Barnyard Millet Upma:
Barnyard Millet Upma Recipe
Where to buy Best Millets for Weight Loss:
It is always recommended to buy millets directly from the farmers. If you are staying in urban areas then you can easily buy from an online store.
CLICK TO BUY THE BEST MILLETS FOR WEIGHT LOSS:
1. Organic Ragi Flour
2. Organic Sorghum Flour
3. Organic Bajra Flour
4. Foxtail Millet
5. Barnyard Millet
Why Overweight/Obesity is Increasing?
Due to lack of dietary diversity, there is an increase of non-communicable diseases, Overweight/Obesity is one of them. We need to understand, why obesity is increasing at a rapid rate in India.
1. When we look into the ingredients that we use to make our food, we prefer a more refined cereal-based diet and this food contains no dietary diversity.
2. We intake more high-calorie diet with low nutrients which is unhealthy.
3. The consumption of packaged food is increasing which is rich in high sugar, salt, and fats.
In a nutshell, this video on Best Millets for Weight Loss is the main summary of what we have discussed above. I think you will love it.

Hope you liked reading this article and it will help in your weight loss journey. Please do give your comments below for further improvement.
Author: Tapas Chandra Roy, A Certified Farm Advisor on Millets. Promoting Millets from Farm to Plate.
September 3, 2020
The revival of Millet Grain on Farm to Plates addressing Nutritional Security
Odisha Millets Mission in Sundargarh:
“Special Programme for Promotion of Millets in Tribal Areas of Odisha” (Odisha Millets Mission)- Reviving Millets on Farm to Plates. It is a flagship programme supported by the Department of Agriculture & Food Production, (Govt of Odisha) to promote millets. It was launched in Sundargarh district in the year 2018-19. The programme initially covered 4 blocks, that is, Nuagaon, Kuarmunda, Rajgangpur and Kutra, which was gradually extended to another 4 blocks (Lephripada, Hemgir, Tangarpali & Balisankara) with financial assistance from District Mineral Foundation, Sundargarh.
The programme covers all aspects of millet ecosystem that includes production, consumption, processing, marketing and inclusion of millets in State Nutrition Programmes.
Ragi Ladoos for Pre-School Children

The objectives of the Millet Mission:
1. Improving the productivity of Millet crops to secure household level surplus.
2. Setting up of decentralized processing facilities for easy access to processed millets.
3. Promoting Household-level consumption to increase food and nutrition security.
4. Promoting farmer collectives and marketing to further the millet economy with a focus on women entrepreneurs.
5. Inclusion of millets in the State Nutrition Programme and Public Distribution System.
The success of Odisha Millets Mission owes to its unique design of programme delivery involving various stakeholders like Government agencies, Civil Society Organisations, Community Based Organisations and Academic institutions. In Sundargarh, 8 Community-Based Organisations have been implementing the programme with the support of 6 Facilitating NGOs.
The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Sundargarh acts as the nodal organisation for implementation of the programme at the district level. The State Secretariat for Odisha Millets Mission is hosted at Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies (NCDS), a social science research institute situated at Bhubaneswar. The State Secretariat comprises of Programme Secretariat and Research Secretariat anchored by WASSAN and NCDS respectively.
In the first year of implementation (2018-19), millet (exclusively Ragi) was cultivated in 600 Hectares benefitting 1405 farmers in 4 blocks of the district. During 2019-20, 930 Hectares of millet was cultivated including Ragi, Little Millet, Foxtail Millet and Sorghum involving 2820 farmers. A surplus of around 500 quintals of Ragi was procured from farmers in the Kharif Marketing Season 2018-19 which increased 4 folds to just above 2000 quintals in Kharif Marketing Season 2019-20.
Procurement of Surplus Ragi from the Farmers

The millets, owing to its nutritional benefits, climate resilience characteristics and nostalgic sentiments about the grain being attached with their tribal culture have added to the other incentives provided by the programme to encourage farmers to cultivate and consume millets. The positive feedbacks from the agrarian community and successful implementation of the programme paved the way for an expansion of the scheme to 4 additional blocks with support from District Mineral Foundation, Sundargarh from 2020-21.
Related Post: Utilisation of Finger Millet in Nutritional Security
Inclusion of Ragi Ladoo in ICDS, Sundargarh
Background of Millet Mission:
In a series of discussions at State level regarding utilization of the Ragi procured from farmers it was proposed that Ragi, for its nutritional values should be included in the ICDS using DMF and OMBADC funds, based on which the pilot programme for introducing Ragi Ladoo for pre-school children in Anganwadis Centres of Sundargah the district was planned.
Ragi is extremely nutritious millet rich in Calcium(344 mg), Protein(7.3 gm), Fibre(3.6 gm), Iron(3.9 mg), Good carbohydrate(72 gms), and other essential minerals. In the process of hulling, the nutrition content of ragi is not lost. Hence, this is an excellent grain for the children.
About the Project:
The project envisages supplementing the nutritional requirements of pre-school children (3 to 6 years) enrolled in the Anganwadi Centres of the district. Each child shall be provided with 4 Ragi Ladoos per week comprising of 10.5 gms of Ragi in each Ladoo.
The existing WSHGs engaged as the THR (Take Home Ration) making units or Chhatua Units in each ICDS project area, promoted by Mission Shakti (W&CD Dept, Govt of Odisha) shall be trained to prepare and supply the Ragi Ladoo Mix to the Anganwadi Centres.
The Anganwadi helpers shall make ladoos out of the Ragi Ladoo Mix and provide to the children. As Anganwadi Centres are closed in the present pandemic situation, the Ragi Ladoo Mix is packaged and supplied to the beneficiaries’ home on a monthly basis.
The project, supported by DMF, Sundargarh is a joint initiative involving 2 agencies, that is, Odisha Millets Mission (Directorate of Agriculture & Food Production, Odisha) & Mission Shakti / ICDS (Dept of Women & Child Development and Mission Shakti, Odisha).
Odisha Millets Mission shall ensure enhancement in millet production in the district and thereby the availability of surplus Ragi in procurement Mandis. They shall also provide machinery required for cleaning, grading and destoning ragi grains to the selected WSHGs. Two WSHGs in the district have been empanelled as the cleaning units, which shall clean the ragi grains using the machinery and supply to the various Chhatua Units for preparation of Ragi Ladoo Mix. The project shall be implemented in a phased manner.
Preparation of the First batch of Ragi Ladoo Mix by Jyoti SHG of Bileimunda, Hemgir Block
The first phase was inaugurated by the Minister of WCD&Mission Shakti on 15th August 2020 in which about 3000 children of Hemgir project were covered. From November 2020, the second phase shall be launched in 5 project areas (primarily urban) and in the third phase, starting from January 2020 all 21 project areas are planned to be covered.
Distribution of Ragi Ladoo mix by the Honourable Minister WCD & Mission Shakti to beneficiaries in the Inaugural Ceremony.

This initiative was jointly undertaken by Odisha Millets Mission & Mission Shakti, with support from DMF, Sundargarh and Sundargarh District Administration has exemplified how convergence among different agencies have successfully revived the journey of a once-neglected the Nutri-cereal grain on-farm to plates and thus this initiative will address the Nutritional Security.
Author: Arpan Das, District Project Coordinator, WASSAN, Odisha Millet Mission
August 19, 2020
Delicious Millet Kheer with Jaggery
Millet Kheer with Jaggery:
You might have heard of making Kheer with rice but few have heard of making it with millets. As you know making with millets makes it tasty, nutritious, and healthy. Kheer or Payasam is originated in the Indian sub-continent and it is served during meals or in desserts. It is flavoured with cardamom, raisins, almonds, cashews and many other dry fruits and nuts.
Delicious Foxtail Millet Kheer
Ingredients for Millet Kheer:
- 1/2 cup foxtail millet
- 1/3 cup of desi ghee
- 1/3 cup powdered/ grated jaggery
- 1 litre of milk
- 5-6 Nos. of Cardamon
- 15-20 Nos. of raisins
- 10-12 Nos. of Almonds
- 20 Nos. of cashew
Preparation Method of Millet Kheer:
- First of all the foxtail millet was soaked for 6 hours to get the maximum nutrition. and for better cooking.
- Take a pressure cooker and light the stove to heat it and then put 2 tbsp of ghee.
- Keep the flame on a low medium and add the soaked millet.
- Saute it well for 2 minutes and add two and a half cup of water.
- A pinch of salt is added to it so that millet is cooked properly.
- The pressure cooker is covered with a lid up to 2 whistles on a medium flame.
- After two whistles keep it aside and let the pressure releases by itself.
- Open the lid after 15 minutes and add the boiled milk into it.
- In the meantime, take a pan and add 1 tbsp of ghee into it and then add all the cashews and fry it until it turns to golden in colour.
- Repeat the same process for raisins.
- After 20 minutes put the grated jaggery into it and give it a nice mix.
- Keep stirring and ensure that it does not stick to the bottom.
- Add the fried cashews and almonds.
- Add the powdered cardamom powder into it and switch of the stove.
- Add the fried raisins into it.
- You can put ghee on the top of the kheer.
- Transfer the entire kheer into a bowl and garnish it with almonds and cashews.
- You can take it when it is hot or after it cools down
Award-Winning Recipe: Millet Rasgulla with Jaggery
For more Millet Recipes: Subscribe my Youtube Channel
August 15, 2020
Millets to boost strong immunity in 2020
MILLETS ARE THE RIGHT GRAINS:
We have heard the old saying ”You are what you eat”. If you are taking the right balanced diet, you remain healthy always. But we have forgotten the old millet grains which our grandparents were taking in their food and this has given us more lifestyle diseases. So in this situation, we should focus on boosting our immunity and health. The right grains that we can add to our regular diet are the ”Millets” and boost our immunity.
Why Millets?
It contains a high amount of dietary fibre, essential amino and fatty acids, B-complex vitamins and Vitamin E. They are high in minerals, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. These minerals help us as a shield and protect us from infections and diseases. They contain more fibre which lowers the risk of diabetes by releasing a lesser percentage of glucose over a long period of time.
So, making excuses for not including millets, will only keep us far away from better health. Millets can be taken by adults, children and Babies. The sooner you bring them in your regular diet, the faster you witness the positive changes in your health. It is the sole responsibility of parents to add millets so that children gradually accept these grains.
Of course, there is a lot of things to learn about millets and understand the right way to cook it. You will definitely find wonderful recipes out of millets in my blogs as well as in my youtube channel. I am a Certified Farm Advisor on Millets and promoting Millets from ”Farm to Plate”. You can surely mail me or comment on this blog if any query comes to your mind.
Little Millet Idli
On the day of ”Janmashtami”, First of all, Wish a very Happy Janmashtami. Yesterday evening I thought to share a new recipe of Idli with Little Millet. Generally, it is consumed as rice and any recipe that demands staple rice can be prepared using Little Millet. It looks similar to Proso Millet after dehulling, but you can easily differentiate by its prominent spot and the size. Little Millet is the smallest of all minor millets.
Little Millet is reported to have 8.7 gm protein, 7.6 gm fibre, 9.3 mg iron, 1.7 gm minerals per 100 gm. It contains 13 times more iron than rice. We can make a lot of recipes using this Millet. I will keep you updating the wonderful recipes.
So, let us see the ingredients and method to make Little Millet Idli.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Little Millet
- 1/2 cup Urad Dal
- 1 tbsp Methi seeds
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Puha (flattened rice)
- Salt as per taste
Preparation Method:
- Little Millet, Urad Dal and Methi seeds are taken separately and soaked for 3 hours.
- Urad Dal is then ground in a wet grinder until it becomes a soft batter.
- Water is drained out from Little Millet and ground along with the methi seeds and puha till nice batter.
- All the batter is mixed together thoroughly and allowed to ferment overnight.
- After that little salt as per taste is added to the batter and idlis are steamed in idli Steamer.
- Idlis are cooked till they are soft texture and served hot with chutney.
Thumb Rules while Cooking Millets:
- Soak it before cooking in water for at least 2 to 3 hours. But soaking millets overnight is more helpful.
- To get the best taste of it, served it hot. If allowed to cool, they become drier than rice and wheat.
- Always store it in a cool and dry place. Sun-drying at regular interval will ensure more shelf life.
CLICK TO BUY LITTLE MILLET
Please text me in the comment box, how it turned out with you.
(Tapas Chandra Roy, a Certified Farm Advisor on Millets and promoting Millets from ”Farm to Plate”).
August 11, 2020
Millet Mango Cake || DELICIOUS, HEALTHY & TASTY
July 11, 2020
Best Foxtail Millet Upma Recipe
Foxtail Millet Upma Recipe:

The demand for Millets is increasing day by day in India as well as abroad. With millets, we can make wonderful recipes starting from Indian breakfast recipes and also we can have in our lunch and dinner. But today, I thought of sharing with you a healthy and nutritious Foxtail Millet Upma Recipe which I had in my breakfast with my family. The recipe was tasty and easy to make. If you are a bachelor or beginner in making a recipe then this will help you.

Foxtail Millet Upma
But before starting the Foxtail Millet Upma, let us understand what it is and what are the health benefits.
What is Foxtail Millet?

Dehulled Foxtail Millet Grains
Foxtail Millet comes under Nutri-Cereals and it is a gluten-free cereal. It ranks second among the millet production in the world and continues to have an important place in the world agriculture providing food to millions of people. The foxtail millet grains are about 2mm in length and mostly yellowish in color. Out of the minor millets, it is easy to differentiate from other millets by its yellowish color. The foxtail millet is known in different names in different parts of the county as Kagni/Kakum in Hindi, Tenai in Tamil, Korra/Korralu in Telugu, and Kangu in Odia.
What is the Nutritional Content of Foxtail Millet and its health benefits:

Nutritional Value in 100 gm of Foxtail Millet:
- Protein – 12.3 g
- Fat – 4.3 g
- Crude Fibre – 8 g
- Carbohydrates – 60.9 g
- Calcium – 31 mg
- Iron – 5 mg
- Phosphorous – 290 mg
- Minerals – 3.3 g
Health Benefits of Foxtail Millet:
Foxtail Millet is diabetic and heart-friendly. It is used as an energy source for pregnant and lactating women, and for sick people and children. Foxtail Millet releases glucose steadily without affecting the metabolism of the body so, it has a low glycemic index. The incidence of diabetes is found to be rare among the people consuming foxtail millet.

So, to start with let us see what are the ingredients required for the Foxtail Millet Upma Recipe.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup Foxtail Millet
- 1 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp urad dal
- 1 tsp channa dal
- 2 tbsp peanuts
- 1 spring curry leaves
- Pinch of asafoetida or hing
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tomato finely cut
- Coriander leaves chopped
- Mixed Vegetables: As per your choice. In this, I have taken Snake beans, Carrot, Potato, spine gourd, and cauliflower.
- Salt to taste
How to make Foxtail Millet Upma Recipe:
In this recipe, I have soaked the foxtail millet overnight. I took it in a bowl and washed it properly and added 2 cups of water and kept to soak. In the morning when I started making the recipe, I just separated the water in a jug and I did not throw as to use it while making the recipe.
Previously, I have made Millet Upma with Proso Millet and Barnyard Millet which you can check Proso Millet Upma and Barnyard Millet Upma in an Earthen Pot

So, to begin with, the Foxtail Millet Upma.
1. Heat oil/ghee on a pressure cooker.
2. Next add cumin seed, urad dal, channa dal, peanuts.
3. Fry till the deals and peanuts turn golden and aromatic.
4. Put the hing/asafoetida and curry leaves.
5. Saute for a minute and add the onion and tomato.
6. Next, add the chopped vegetables
7. Stir everything and cover it with a lid for 5 minutes.
8. After that, add the soaked foxtail millet and add 2 cups of water which was used for soaking and wait for 2 whistles on a medium flame.
9. After, the two whistle, turn off the gas and keep it aside for 10 minutes and let the lid come out automatically.
10. Garnish with ghee for better taste.
11. Serve hot with pickle/curd.
I hope you liked the Foxtail Millet Upma Recipe and to see you soon with another Millet recipe. Please keep sharing the recipe with your friends, family, and relatives as Millets are Healthy and Nutritious.

You can get the Foxtail Millet in a retail store or you get in the online in Amazon.
To identify the Foxtail Millet from other millet grains, you can have a look at this video:

Author: Tapas Chandra Roy
May 25, 2020