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DFRL-DRDO opts for millets as integral part of daily meals for all ranks of the Armed Forces
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Saturday, 30 September, 2023, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Nandita Vijay, Bengaluru
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Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), under the aegis of DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Mysuru, is now increasingly opting for millets in the diet of the Armed Forces who are guarding the difficult to live terrains which are either known for extreme climate conditions of cold and heat.
This follows after the Ministry of Defence taking a significant step towards promoting millet consumption. By introducing millet flours into the soldier’s rations, the MoD ensures that they receive nutritious and traditional grains.
"This landmark decision acknowledges that millets are abundant in essential amino acids, micro-nutrients, and various bioactive compounds, making them an invaluable resource for combating lifestyle disorders and boosting the well-being of troops. Incorporating millets into the Defence ration not only improves the soldiers' nutritional intake but may also contribute to their overall satisfaction and morale," said DFRL at the recently-concluded National Conference on Millets for Military Ration & Specific Nutritional Requirements, held in Mysuru.
Under this initiative, millets will become an integral part of daily meals for all ranks. The government has sanctioned the procurement of millet flours and the inclusion of up to 25% of the authorised entitlement of cereals, including rice and wheat atta. This move represents a significant stride towards enhancing the nutritional profile of soldiers' diets and embracing the benefits of millets.
The conference catered to information pertaining to various millets grown in India, their consumption pattern, health benefits with special reference to combat feeding, and performance enhancement of the troops.
The objective of the conference was to deliberate on scientific facts for the adoption of millets-based food for Services. It explored millets for sustainable agro processing practices at terrains of troop’s deployment. It will now work to identify and resolve the challenges in millet processing, preservation and storage for sustained nutritional & food security.
It will facilitate discussion on millets-based enterprises among research organisations, government agencies, policy makers & supply chain managers. It will identify innovative ways to integrate millets into diet of Services for improved health, performance & endurance.
In this regard, a technical theme on nutrition & health benefits of millets, millets in military ration issues, challenges, opportunities were deliberated at the conference.
The experts also provided recent advances in millet processing & value added products. It worked on networking of supply chain management among stakeholders. Besides aspects of policy interventions in promotion of millets were also highlighted.
The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Defence & Tourism Ajay Bhatt. Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, was distinguished guest. Dr U K Singh, Director-General (Life Sciences), DRDO, New Delhi; Prof. Khadar Valli Dudekula, Millet Man of India; & Major General S S Ahlawat, ADG ST(SM), Army HQ, New Delhi; were the guests of honour. Dr A D Semwal, Outstanding Scientist & Director, DFRL, presided over the function.
DFRL focuses on providing safe and nutritious operational rations to the Armed Forces. It is known for its core competence in the areas of food logistics and meeting the nutritional requirements of the tri-services. The laboratory in Mysuru plays a vital role in ensuring extended shelf-life for convenient ready-to-eat food items tailored to meet the specific operational needs of the troops. By employing advanced techniques and expertise, DFRL contributes to the development of food products that are not only nutritionally balanced but also capable of withstanding challenging operational conditions.
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