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.