Summary:
milletDefence Food Research LaboratorykheerBangalore MirrorThe nutrient-rich ragi, fast gaining popularity among public, is also gaining acceptance with the Armed Forces.The(DFRL), which has been developing packaged rations for the Armed Forces, has now come up with many millet-based products like millet flakes, millet choco chips along with instant food like milletmix, millet chapati mix, millet roti mix, millet dosa mix, millet pakora mix, millet halwa mix, millet dhokla mix, millet cookie mix and millet beverage mix.“Of late, millet products are being received well by the Armed Forces due to the immense health benefits they offer. Ragi balls may not be palatable to all that is why we have developed products like millet flakes and millet cookies,” Semwal added. The key to make millet palatable is to come up with the right products. Millet-based products provide high levels of calcium and dietary fibre in the diet.According to DFRL, these products are good for skeletal health due to high calcium content and good for easing constipation, controlling lipid profile because of 20 % dietary fibre content. As there has been a rise in lifestyle diseases, the acceptance is more now for millet-based products,” AD Semwal, associate director, DFRL toldThough millet is a staple diet in the southern region the country, it is gaining popularity in the rest of the country as well where wheat and rice are the staple diets.“Traditional foods like rice and wheat are the most prefered food products among Armed Forces personnel from certain regions..