NSG, ICAR, and Howrah KVK Join Forces for Millet Awareness Event

 

The National Security Guard (NSG), under India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, teamed up with the ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) in Kolkata and Howrah Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) to host a 'Millet Mela' at the NSG RH campus in Kolkata today. The event aimed to raise awareness about the health and nutritional benefits of millets among NSG personnel and their families.

Dr. Pradip Dey, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, talked about how science, security, and sustainability can work together. He mentioned that, just like the NSG’s motto “Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha” (protection everywhere, with the best), millets play a key role in ensuring nutritional security for the NSG commandos and their families. He also highlighted how millets are climate-friendly, need less water to grow, and are rich in healthy nutrients.

At the event, Howrah KVK shared information about the nutritional benefits of millets and new farming techniques through posters. NSG family members took part in a competition to make the best millet-based dish. The winning dishes were chosen based on creativity and taste, aroma, appearance, and texture.

Howrah KVK served dishes like Khichdi made from barnyard millet and Kheer made from foxtail millet, which were very popular. NSG personnel also contributed dishes like sorghum Khichdi, millet tikka, and jowar halwa, which were shared with everyone.

The event was coordinated by Major Zaheer Iqbal from NSG RH Kolkata and Dr. Kironmay Barui, Head of Howrah KVK. It was officially opened by Colonel Anil Kumar, Group Commander of the 29 Special Composite Group, NSG. He praised the smooth teamwork between ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, and Howrah KVK for organizing such an important event to celebrate millets and their health benefits.

Around 200 people attended the Millet Mela and left with a better understanding of how millets can improve health and help create a more sustainable future.

 

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