Varigelu, Saddhalu, Ragulu, Korralu, Saamalu and Jonnalu. Do these names ring a bell?
Yes, they are some of the nutrition-rich millets that have vanished from the urban cuisine and are feared to become extinct, if urgent steps are not taken to bring them back to our kitchen.
A modest effort was taken on Sunday in the railway town of Kodur to showcase the importance of the millets.
The State Formation Day was chosen for the event, as it not only highlighted the need to build wealth through health, but also underscored the need to strengthen the rural economy by promoting the poor farmer’s produce. The demonstration promoted millets as an elixir to save the State from malnutrition, ill-health and economic disparities.
“They are nutritionally far superior to rice and wheat, environmentally safe and farmer-friendly in the harshest cropping conditions,” said Abraham Thomas, a dentist and a third generation social activist in the town. Along with fellow enthusiasts, Dr. Thomas made ‘dosas’ made of millets and distributed them to the public.
The event was conducted in the vicinity of the huge badam tree planted by his grandfather Dr. T.M. Samuel on November 1, 1956, to mark the creation of the new State.
The activists appealed to the public to get back to healthy eating, while urging the government to promote millet cultivation giving incentives to farmers.
Millets are nutritionally superior to rice and wheat
Abraham Thomas
Dentist, social activist
