Sri Vijaya Puram: In a bid to promote healthier eating habits and sustainable food choices, the Food Safety Department of Andaman & Nicobar Administration is all set to host a two-day ‘Eat Right Mela’ on April 19 and 20 at Marina Park, Sri Vijaya Puram. The focus of this year’s mela is on promoting millets – the nutrient-dense, climate-resilient grains that have been dubbed “Nutri-Cereals” for their health and environmental benefits.
The mela will be open from 5 PM to 9 PM on both days and promises to be a gastronomic and educational experience for food lovers, health-conscious individuals, and tourists alike. Local Self Help Groups (SHGs) will take the lead in setting up food stalls that will showcase and sell a range of innovative and traditional millet-based products. From millet laddoos to crispy dosas and healthy snacks, the event will be a flavorful journey through the goodness of ancient grains.
Millets – rich in dietary fibre, low in glycemic index, and high in minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, are increasingly being recognized for their role in managing lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart ailments. The Mela aims to spread awareness about these benefits while encouraging people to incorporate millets into their daily diets.
Officials from the Food Safety Department urged the public to attend the event and explore millets not just as a health choice but also as a cultural rediscovery. “Through this mela, we are not just promoting food. We are promoting a movement, towards better health, sustainable farming, and empowered communities,” said a department spokesperson.
This initiative aligns with the government’s larger campaign to revive millet cultivation and consumption across India, particularly during the International Year of Millets. By bringing the event to a public park, the department aims to create an informal, festive atmosphere that makes nutrition accessible and fun for all.
