Army to introduce ‘native, traditional’ millets in troop rations

It stated that millets will now form an integral part of the daily meal for soldiers of all ranks.

The Army said food made with millets has proven health benefits and is suited to the Indian geographical and climatic conditions and will thus be a vital step in mitigating lifestyle diseases and enhancing satisfaction and morale of the troops. “Millets have the benefit of being a good source of protein, micro-nutrients and phytochemicals, thus boosting the nutritional profile of a soldier’s diet,” it said.

Officers in the Army said the scale of rations for troops had been fixed based on studies carried out earlier to determine the calorific value

of food required for soldiers deployed in various locations, to ensure they get a balanced diet.

“Special rations are provided to troops serving in high-altitude or super high-altitude areas to make up for calorie deficiencies of troops posted in difficult locations,” an officer said.

The Army has sought government sanction to procure millet flour not exceeding 25 per cent of the authorised entitlement of cereals — rice and wheat flour — in rations for troops from the next financial year.

Three popular varieties of millets flour — bajra, jowar and ragi — will be issued to troops, duly considering their preference. The grains will be procured and issued to the troops based on options they exercise and the quantity they demand.

A second officer said this means the grains to be provided to the troops at a certain location will depend on what they prefer. “For instance, troops from southern India and northeastern India prefer rice, as against wheat preferred by troops from northern India,” the officer said.

Additionally, the Army has issued advisories across commands to ensure that millets are used extensively in organised functions, such as in Barakhanas, as well as in canteens.

The Army is also conducting centralised training of chefs to prepare delicacies made with millets, and there is a special emphasis on introducing value-added millet items and snacks to troops deployed along the northern borders.

According to the Army, millet foods are being introduced through CSD canteens and dedicated corners are being set up in shopping complexes. ‘Know your Millet’ awareness campaigns are also being conducted in educational institutions.

The first officer quoted above said that while millets are essentially an indigenous grain, a fresh study will help fix the percentages to be in high altitude or other difficult locations based on the troops’ calorie requirements.

The Centre has been taking several measures to promote consumption of millets, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is the nodal ministry driving this. Sources in the government said all Union ministries and departments have been asked to draft and submit their planned calendar of activities to mark the International Year of Millets.