The Millets Mela was officially opened by Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of Assam Rifles. Dr. Khadar Valli, also known as the “Millets Man of India” and a Padma Shri awardee, gave an insightful lecture on the health benefits and various uses of millets.

The event featured a wide range of millet-based products from both government and private organizations, along with innovative startups. Notable participants included the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India Limited (NCCF), Pansari Industries, Marbin Food Processing, Kodo Bazar Federation Farmer Producer Company Ltd, Shillong-based startup HQ Inspired, and Guwahati-based startup APRINS. The exhibition showcased everything from traditional millet dishes to modern recipes, demonstrating how millets can combine health and taste in many ways.

Nutrition and agriculture experts spoke about the environmental and health benefits of millets, highlighting their important role in improving food security and supporting sustainable farming.

The Millets Mela was a huge success, providing a platform for government bodies, businesses, and startups to share their innovations. Assam Rifles is dedicated to continuing this momentum and supporting the Government of India’s efforts to promote millets as a healthy and sustainable food choice.