Awareness drive launched to promote millet consumption across Goa

BICHOLIM
The Bharat Swabhiman and Patanjali Yoga Samiti have launched a statewide awareness campaign to promote the increased use of millets in daily diets across Goa.
A draft proposal for a dedicated millet policy will soon be submitted to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, urging the State government to formulate and effectively implement a comprehensive millet policy.
This information was shared by Bharat Swabhiman President Kamlesh Bandekar during a news conference in Bicholim.
Bandekar stated that nearly 50 percent of Goa’s population is currently affected by diabetes, and the number is likely to rise in the future.
“In such circumstances, increasing the inclusion of millets in daily diets can help control lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes,” he explained.
“With the State Budget scheduled to be presented in March, the rising number of patients has increased the financial burden on the health department. Considering the growing patient population, there is a need to enhance allocations for the medical sector. However, if citizens incorporate millets regularly into their diet, several diseases can be prevented, thereby reducing the government’s healthcare expenditure.”
To achieve this objective, Bharat Swabhiman and Patanjali Yoga Samiti have begun organising a series of awareness camps in different parts of the State.
Dr Sarala Khadar Valli, daughter of Dr Khadar Valli, popularly known as the ‘Millets Man of India’, is also actively participating in the campaign. Under her guidance, the awareness drive is being conducted across Goa.
She expressed confidence that including millets in school mid-day meal schemes would help build a healthier and fitter future generation.
She further emphasised that reducing wheat consumption and incorporating millets such as jowar and bajra into daily diets would significantly improve overall health. Dr Pratibha Doshi was also present at the press conference.