Miguel Braganza
As we approach the two-thirds mark of 2023, a significant occasion unfolds – the International Year of Millets (IYM-2023), declared by the United Nations General Assembly upon India’s initiative. Throughout this year, efforts have been made to celebrate the importance of millets, showcasing their significance in our lives. Notable events have taken place, including the ‘Nachneachem Fest’ at the Duler-Mapusa agriculture farm, SAMETI’s captivating float at the Carnivals in Panaji and Margao, and the engaging ‘Millets Festival’ organised by the Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) at the Inox courtyard in Panaji. Additionally, several colleges have hosted informative millet workshops. Notably, the Bonderam in Malar-Divar featured captivating presentations and displays of millets, successfully raising awareness about these grains. As the International Year of Millets enters its final four months, one question remains: why, apart from the Goa College of Agriculture at Ela Farm, has there been a lack of engagement with the youth of Goa in millet cultivation? Nonetheless, an opportunity remains to rectify this by involving the youth in the upcoming crop season.
Taking a proactive approach to address this gap, the Green Heritage Eco Club of SFX School in Siolim has chosen a compelling theme, ‘Millets in our Meals’, for its 31st annual Festival of Plants and Flowers scheduled for this weekend. Aligned with IYM 2023, this festival places a strong emphasis on inter-school competitions revolving around millets that are either grown or consumed in Goa. These competitions encompass diverse projects, from live millet plant specimens nurtured by students, to models, grains, and posters. Moreover, each participating school will present two students to elucidate their projects before a panel of judges. Through these competitions, students gain hands-on experience in germinating millet seeds and nurturing the plants.
A pre-festival essay writing competition has yielded enthusiastic responses from schools across Goa. The most outstanding essays will be compiled into a book titled ‘Millets in our Meals’, set to be unveiled at the inauguration on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The essays reflect thorough research, with students consulting both literature and adults in their households and neighbourhoods.
A compelling message arises: millets like nachne and ragi can be enjoyed beyond traditional preparations such as bhakri, ambil, and tizan. The introduction of ragi chips, cakes, and biscuits adds an exciting dimension to their consumption. In Karnataka, ragi malt has gained popularity as a beverage, presenting an avenue for its adoption in Goa. Similarly, sorghum can be microwaved to create miniature popcorn, opening doors for enjoyment across age groups. The key lies in innovation, and this sentiment drives the endeavour.
The invitation is extended to visit SFX School in Siolim this Saturday, preferably between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to witness insightful contributions of students from various schools, shedding light on the world of millets. The exhibition will be on from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 27and Monday, August 28. The book will be available for perusal during the exhibition, alongside an array of plants, fertilisers, and gardening essentials. This event promises a journey of discovery, learning, and inspiration.
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