Indian Army Introduces Millet in Rations to Soldiers

New Delhi: To promote the consumption of millet, the Indian Army has introduced millet flour in the rations of soldiers. This coincides with the UN declaration to observe 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

Around five decades back supply of millets was discontinued in the Indian Army in favour of wheat atta.

Food experts of the Indian Army feel traditional millet foods are suited to India’s geographical and climatic conditions. Millets have the benefit of being a good source of proteins, micro-nutrients and phytochemicals, thus boosting the nutritional profile of a soldier’s diet.

Millets would now be an integral part of the daily meal for all ranks.

The government’s sanction has been sought to procure millets flour not exceeding 25 per cent of the authorised entitlement of cereals (rice and wheat atta), in rations for troops commencing from the year 2023-24 onwards, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.

Advisories have been issued for millets to be extensively used in organised functions, ‘Barakhanas’, canteens, and in-home cooking of the Indian Army. Centralised training of Army chefs is being undertaken so that they can prepare wholesome, tasty, and nutritious millet dishes.