MANGAN, (IPR): Celebrating the International
Year of Millets and to raise awareness on multiple health benefits of millets, Food
Safety and Standards Cell of Health & Family Welfare department in
collaboration with Mangan district administration organised a ‘Millet Mela’ at
Mangan Nagar Panchayat (MNP).
The program was attended by area
MLA-cum-minister Samdup Lepcha as the chief guest. Also present were zilla
adhakshya Kado Lepcha, upadhakshya Sonam Kipa Bhutia, Mangan Nagar Panchayat
president Norkit Lepcha, councillors Premkit Lepcha and Hangu Lachenpa, Health
director Dr. Yudok Bhutia, Mangan ADC Sonam Topgay Tashi, ASP Mani Kumar
Tamang, ADC (Dev) K.R Limboo, CMO Tempo Kaleon, departmental officials,
municipal executive officer Tempo Tashi Bhutia, Anganwadis and staff from line
departments.
The minister, in his address, stressed on
the need to highlight the millet due to its nutritional properties. He said it
is high time to organise awareness on benefits of millets in rural areas as it
has been stigmatised as a poor man’s food.
He urged everyone to include millet in
daily consumption and to live a healthy lifestyle.
Regarding tourism in Lachung, Lepcha
informed that the permit rules will remain the same as before.
The chief guest also inaugurated and
visited the stalls of Anganwadi and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mangan displaying
millet products.
Before the programme, a walkathon was
held from DAC premises to MNP.
The walkathon, flagged off by zilla
adhakshya, saw participation of heads of offices, officers, staff and Anganwadi
workers.
Earlier, joint food safety commissioner
spoke on the concept of Millet Mela.
Tshering Gyatso Lepcha, dubbed the “Millet
Man”, gave a talk on millet farming, types of millets and different health
benefits of millets.
Puscal Sharma, subject matter specialist
at KVK, Mangan, gave a short presentation on role of KVK on promotion of
millets in the district.
A brief note on fortification of rice
was made by Mangan district civil supplies officer.
The program also witnessed different
cultural performances.
