Jammu, September 21: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday addressed the ‘Millets for Health’ seminar at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, and called for coordinated efforts by doctors, scientists, farmers and citizens to promote millets as part of daily diets.
Earlier in the day, Sinha addressed a national dialogue on the Millets Mission organised by SKUAST-Jammu.
Describing the GMC seminar as more than an academic exercise, the Lieutenant Governor said it highlighted the shared responsibility of protecting public health, natural resources, farming communities and the environment.
He said millets have been part of India’s food traditions for centuries. Crops such as bajra, jowar, ragi, kodo, kutki, kangni and sanwa can grow with relatively low water requirements and are suited to challenging climatic conditions.
Sinha referred to an ICMR report which noted that non-communicable diseases accounted for 61.8 per cent of all deaths in 2016, compared with 37.09 per cent in 1990. He also cited National Family Health Survey data on high blood pressure among adults aged 15–49.
The Lieutenant Governor said the growing burden of lifestyle-related health issues has implications not only for individuals but also for families, communities and economic productivity.
He highlighted the nutritional value of millets, noting that they contain fibre, iron, calcium and other micronutrients. He also referred to research suggesting that some millets have a relatively low glycaemic index and may support aspects of heart health, cholesterol management and weight control.
Sinha called for greater evidence-based awareness about the role of millets in a balanced diet and urged the medical fraternity and nutrition experts to help communicate their potential benefits to the public.
He also encouraged farmers to diversify crops and asked scientists to work on developing high-yielding varieties suited to local climatic conditions.
“I appeal to all citizens of Jammu Kashmir to prioritise the nutritious and balanced food of millets over processed food,” Sinha said.
He expressed confidence that coordinated efforts could help strengthen food security while supporting public health and conserving water, soil and the environment.
Padma Shri Dr Khadar Vali, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu, Umendra Dutt, Executive Director of Kheti Virasat Mission, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, senior officials, experts, faculty members and students attended the seminar.
