Bhubaneswar: In an effort to raise awareness about the health benefits of millets and promote their consumption among health-conscious citizens, the Odisha Millets Mission and women self-help groups (WSHGs) of Mission Shakti have teamed up with the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) to set up Millet Shakti Cafe stalls at various parks in Bhubaneswar.
The event is being held in two phases – the first from March 21 to 23, and the second from March 27 to 29 – at six parks in the city, namely Madhusudan Park, Indira Gandhi Park, Forest Park, Budha Park, Gandhi Park, and Kelucharan Park. The active participation of members from three SHG federations – Shwayamshradha SHG, Trishakti SHG, and Shaktimayee SHG – has added impetus to the campaign.
Visitors to the parks have been treated to a variety of hot and cold cooked millet-based foods, including ragi idli, ragi chakuli, ragi Chandrakanti, ragi manda pitha, ragi bara, millet mixture, millet cookies, millet karanji, ragi chanch, ragi aarisha, multi millet flour, and ragi flour. Additionally, leaflets and recipe books were distributed to visitors to raise awareness about the benefits of millet consumption.
The campaign has generated a positive response from visitors, many of whom have interacted with SHG members to learn more about their millet-based livelihood activities. Some visitors have even placed orders for various millet-based foodstuffs, such as ragi idli, ragi chakuli, ragi aarisha, and ragi chanch.
The Millet Shakti campaign has sparked significant interest among visitors, with some members of various apartment societies approaching the SHGs to express interest in organizing millet-tasting events at their apartments. The campaign has been an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about the health benefits of millets and the various ways to consume them.