Pune, July 12: With an aim to promote millets, a mega "Pune Millets Mela" will be organized on July 12 at SNDT Women's University, Pune in association with the university, Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India), CASMB, and National Agriculture & Food Analysis & Research Institute (NAFARI) and All India Food Processors' Association (AIFPA).
In Pune Millets Mela, there will be various exhibitions, technical sessions, panel discussions, and B2B networking. Eminent officials will be present at the event for insightful discussions.
The Conference will also provide a platform for stakeholders in the Food Processing Sector, Technologists, Scientists, Farmers, Industry, Exporters, and Policy Makers to deliberate upon the opportunities and challenges involved in promoting millet as a superfood to ensure nutrition and promoting India’s participation in the global trade in the agri-food sector.
The aim of the event is to showcase the industry's effort in making millet-based products mainstream and converting them into healthy snacks as well as to create awareness and encourage processing, value addition, entrepreneurship, and consumption of Millets & Millet products. This event will also help to develop a viable millet production value chain and to promote marketability and awareness for the millet.
What is Millet?
Millet is an ancient grain that people have consumed (and consumed in many parts). They are also utilised as feed for livestock. It is becoming increasingly popular as it is fast-growing, drought-resistant, and requires low input. It is a also good source of protein, fiber, key vitamins, and minerals. The potential health benefits of millet include protecting cardiovascular health, preventing the onset of diabetes, helping people achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and managing inflammation in the gut. It is an adaptable grain, there are many ways to prepare it at homes, and process it on an industrial level.
Government's Initiative for Millets
The Government of India attaches high priority to food processing sector, an important pillar of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This sector has grown rapidly with an average annual growth rate of 8.83% in the last live years and is expected to reach USD 535 billion by FY26. Some of the recent initiatives taken by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) for the Food Processing sector include permitting 100% FDI, lncome tax deductions for eligible units, agri-processing included in priority sector lending - loans. In addition, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Food Processing Industries was launched to support creation of global food manufacturing champions commensurate with India’s natural resource endowment with an outlay of USD 1.3 Bn.