Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has emphasized the need for the government to focus on millet production. The minister made this call during his visit to a food exhibition organized by the Nepali Cuisine Promotion Campaign, which showcased 10 different millet-based dishes.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Khadka highlighted the role of millet in achieving food security by conserving it, promoting its commercial production, and incorporating it into daily diets. He argued that relying on locally grown grains like millet can lead to self-reliance, as opposed to a food system dependent on imports, which is not sustainable for ensuring food security.
This year, the government officially recognized Saun 16 in the Lunar Calendar as National Millet Day, underscoring its commitment to promoting the importance of millet and boosting its production. Minister Khadka, while sampling the dishes at the exhibition, noted that millet is more than just a culinary ingredient; it is an integral part of Nepal’s food culture and identity. He also pointed out the significant nutritional benefits of this cereal crop.
The exhibition featured a variety of millet-based foods such as pancakes, pudding, muffins, biscuits, mo:mo, tempura, malpuwa, dhindo, and sel roti, allowing visitors to enjoy these traditional delicacies. The event, the fifth edition of the Bhojan Lipi Swad under the Nepali Cuisine Promotion Campaign, was held in collaboration with Narayani Chamena Griha in Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, and saw international chefs Durga Khadka and Ghanashyam Kandel preparing an array of Nepali cuisines featuring millet.