World Food Day 2024: The First Millet Cafe In Chhattisgarh Praised By PM Modi Which Focuses On Sustainable Eating

World Food Day 2024: Millets are the buzzword in food these days with everybody talking about the potential of these humble and ancient grains to change the way we eat. While 2023 was deemed the Year Of Millet, the grains are still capturing hearts and imaginations, and on the occasion of World Food Day 2024, let's take closer look at the story of one scrappy entrepreneurial venture that has become celebrated for their work with the grain. Across the country, organisations and eateries are highlighting local grains in innovative ways and Rohini Patanaik and Deepa Singh are even leveraging the millet power to uplift their local society through Chhattisgarh’s first-ever Millet Cafe in Raigarh.In 2022 the idea of the Millet Cafe was conceived when Rohini and some of the women of the Women and Child Development department went for training in Odisha to learn how to cook with ragi. There Rohini shares that they tried millet idlis and with that bite, the idea of a cafe devoted to the power of millets began to emerge. In May she along with her sahelis (friends) and with the help of Bhim Singh – who was the Raigarh collector at the time, and the organisation Transform Rural India (TRI), they turned that dream into a reality. The Government of Chhattisgarh has also launched an initiative called Millets Mission which supports local entrepreneurs who are engaged in work with millets. The cafe received an unexpected boost of fame when Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned them his show Mann Ki Baat, praising their initiative and mission. The shoutout caused a surge of interest in the cafe and since then it’s been thriving and providing customers with a unique meal while also giving back to the local community. “Millets are not just good for you, they’re good for the farmers also,” says Rohini when asked about the benefits of millets. At this time, the Millet Cafe is partnered with around 50 local farmers who supply them with all the millets they need to curate their unique menu.

At the Millet Cafe promoting the production and consumption of millets is essential, as they are rich in gluten-free, high-quality nutrients that can be offered at an affordable price. “Our strong commitment to this initiative reflects our passionate and ambitious dedication to enhancing customer service and personal experiences while supporting local communities,” they say, “and by focusing on millets, we aim to provide a healthier, sustainable alternative in the food and beverage sector, benefiting both consumers and the environment.”Also Read: While everything on the menu is locally sourced, the dishes themselves showcase flavours from around the world. Pizzas, noodles, momos, pasta, cookies, they've got a little bit of everything, all with a millet twist. When asked why their menu is geared towards Western tastes Rohini explains that children are always going to love ‘junk’ food like pizzas and pastas, but by making them with millets they can at least make sure they’re getting them to eat ‘healthy junk’. “People of all ages come to our cafe for different things,” she says, “some like the ragi laddoos, and others come to get millet birthday cakes. Everyone has different tastes, but everybody loves millet.”

In Asia, India accounts for 80% of millet production, contributing 20% to the global total. However, this significant production has not translated into substantial income for millet farmers in India. To ensure that these farmers can achieve financial gains, initiatives like the Millet Cafe and the work being done by TRI are essential to grow the opportunities in the millet space and make farming millets income-smart. To extend the potential beyond the current focus on the climate, water, and soil benefits of millets to make them a necessary part of the backbone of the Indian economy. Chhattisgarh historically has been known as the rice of India and millets occupy a comparatively marginal position within the minds of the state’s farming community, but with the hard work and passion of women like Rohini, tides are turning and the future of millets is beginning to look like a bright one.