‘Superfood’ millets make it to military ration in big way

In a significant stride towards enhancing nutritional profile of soldiers’ diets, embracing the benefits of millets, especially on the occasion of the International Year of Millets-2023, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has included millets into the defence ration in a big way and millets are now an integral part of daily meals for all ranks.

In a significant stride towards enhancing nutritional profile of soldiers’ diets, embracing the benefits of millets, especially on the occasion of the International Year of Millets-2023, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has included millets into the defence ration in a big way and millets are now an integral part of daily meals for all ranks.

With millets rich in essential amino acids, micro-nutrients, and various bio-active compounds, critical for helping to boost the well-being of the troops and combat lifestyle disorders, the Ministry has taken a significant step in promoting millet consumption in the diet of defence services.

Minister of State for Defence and Tourism Ajay Bhatt, who inaugurated the two-day national conference on “Millets for Military Ration and Specific Nutritional Requirements” organised by the Mysuru-based DRDO-Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), here, said 25% of military ration now consists of millets in view their health benefits. The innovation which has been brought in military ration by incorporating millets was because of their nutritional value and health benefits, he added.

As the troops are deployed in various situations and terrains, the millets will be beneficial to the soldiers’ nourishment, the Minister opined.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Bhatt spoke about ‘superfoods’ millets and how they kept the older generations healthy and helped them live long. Understanding their value, the millets have been integrated in the troops’ diet.

In the olden days, people were leading a healthy and disease-free life. The reason for this was the food they were consuming. The foods that were eaten in yesteryears were key because of their health properties. Even star hotels were now serving their guests foods made of millets. Such is the importance of millet-based foods, he explained.

Earlier, Dr. Khadar Valli Dudekala, a strong proponent of millets, who was the guest of honour, spoke on how millets help boost health and lead a disease-free life.