Millets are the ingredient of the hour and since 2023 which was hailed as the Year of Millets by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, their popularity has only been growing. Kerala – the South Indian state known best for its picturesque backwaters and culturally rich cuisine has been taking strides towards bringing these ancient grains to the forefront.
Their latest initiative for promoting sustainable and healthy eating habits, Kerala’s Agriculture Department has launched its first millet cafe in Ulloor, Thiruvananthapuram. Its opening marks the beginning of an ambitious statewide initiative to popularise millet consumption among Kerala residents. A similar Millet Cafe in Raigarh had recently also been praised by PM Modi for their innovative work.
The initiative represents the start of a larger mission being undertaken by the Kerala government to promote small grains, particularly millets, across the state. Speaking to The Hindu in 2023, Minister Prasad had outlined plans to establish similar cafes in every district in a phased manner. “We have many millet-based products today such as biscuits, cake, dosa and other snacks. The cafes are intended as outlets for these products,” he had explained.
The Millet Cafe is designed to have a commitment to health-conscious dining. The menu features an impressive array of millet-based offerings, from breakfast items to dinner selections, including innovative dishes like millet biryani and cupcakes. The cafe strives to use only the best ingredients, choosing to exclude common additives like refined flour (maida), hydrogenated fats (dalda), and conventional sugar. In an interesting twist, the establishment has opted to use coconut milk and almond milk instead of dairy, catering to both health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions.
The cafe’s menu also extends to meat offerings but with a conscious decision to serve only country chicken, excluding broiler varieties. This choice aligns with the initiative’s focus on promoting healthier, more traditional food options. The cafe is part of the Chief Minister’s 100-day action plan which operates under the Keralagro brand. The initiative serves multiple purposes which are all aligned to better the local society: it aims to increase farmers’ income, protect public health, and create a sustainable market for value-added products from various agricultural collectives, farmer groups, and local farms across Kerala.
By integrating the millet cafe with Keralagro marketing centres, the Agriculture Department has created a comprehensive system for promoting and distributing agricultural products. This approach not only helps in popularising millets but also provides a reliable platform for farmers and producer organisations to market their products directly to consumers.
As the initiative expands to other districts, it is expected to play a crucial role in introducing millet-based dishes to Malayali dining tables, while simultaneously supporting local farmers and promoting healthier eating habits among the population. The success of this venture could serve as a model for similar initiatives across other states, contributing to the larger national movement of millet promotion and sustainable agriculture. It’s also one of many upcoming projects that champion millets and are establishing their role in promoting the diversity and cultural wealth of Indian agriculture.
