Indian Millets Reach Global Food Chains, What Dr. Jitendra Singh Told?
Mysuru: A major milestone has been achieved in the nationwide campaign to popularize coarse cereals. Revealing this recently, Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that millet-based dishes, developed using indigenous technology, are now being served to customers at international food chains such as McDonald's.
Dr. Singh shared this information during a visit to the country's first dedicated 'Centre of Excellence for Millets' located at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru. He was addressing the gathering at an event organized to mark the laying of the foundation stone for a 30-room hostel facility at the institute. Scheduled for completion within a year, this complex will provide accommodation and dining facilities for approximately 50 trainees, farmers, and members of self-help groups.
While discussing the institute's achievements, the Union Minister noted that the Centre of Excellence for Millets has presented a successful model for transforming traditional grains into modern food products rich in iron and protein. Supported by an investment of approximately Rs 20 crore, the Centre possesses a daily processing capacity of 60–70 tonnes for cleaning and 12–15 tonnes for milling, thereby assisting startups and farmers in creating market-ready products.
Dr. Singh further informed that, following the success of millets, the Central Government is now working on developing similarly sustainable and globally competitive food products based on "Kalari"—the renowned cheese delicacy from Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir.
He emphasized that the benefits of scientific innovations must transcend the confines of the laboratory to directly impact the livelihoods of farmers and women's groups. On this occasion, he underscored the need to deepen market penetration for 'Ready-to-Eat' products by leveraging digital outreach and fostering stronger collaborations with startups.