Former Australian Prime Minister Anthony John Abbott Explores NAFED Millet Experience Centre in New Delhi

New Delhi: Former Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony John Abbott, visited the NAFED Millet Experience Centre at Dilli Haat, New Delhi today to explore India’s initiatives in promoting Shree Anna (millets) as a sustainable and nutritious food source. The visit was part of India’s growing commitment to enhancing global awareness and consumption of millets, often hailed as “super grains” for their high nutritional value and environmental benefits.

During the visit, Abbott was introduced to a wide array of Ready to Cook (RTC) and Ready to Eat (RTE) products made from various types of millets, as well as millet staples such as grains, flours, and sprouted flours. He engaged with Chandrajit Chatterjee, Additional Managing Director of NAFED, Amit Goel, General Manager of NAFED, Ranjan Kumar, Manager at NAFED, and Pallavi Upadhyaya, Coordinator of the Millet Experience Centre. The discussions revolved around India’s millet production initiatives, the role of Shree Anna in climate-resilient agriculture, and its potential to ensure food security and better nutrition globally.

Abbott’s visit allowed him to witness first-hand the culinary innovations showcasing the versatility of millets. He sampled dishes like Millet Papdi Chaat, Millet Pasta in Mixed Sauce, Ragi Ghee Roast Masala Dosa, and Ragi Cake, which demonstrated how millets can be incorporated into everyday diets without compromising on taste or nutrition. These millet-based creations reflect the adaptability of the grains to various cooking styles while maintaining their health benefits.

Abbott expressed his admiration for India’s leadership in reviving traditional grains and promoting them as a climate-smart, environmentally friendly, and nutritious food choice. He highlighted the potential for similar awareness programs in Australia, stressing that millets could play a crucial role in improving public health and food sustainability. Abbott referred to millets as the “super food for a super country”, emphasizing their role in addressing global challenges like malnutrition and climate change.

Millets are recognized globally for their high fiber, protein, and micronutrient content, making them a staple in a balanced diet. They are also seen as a sustainable crop with low environmental impact, offering a viable solution to the global food security challenge. India’s promotion of millets through initiatives like the Millet Experience Centre is seen as a significant step in raising awareness about the health benefits and climate resilience of these grains.