India’s defense personnel leave no stone unturned in guarding the nation so we can sleep peacefully at night. And it is essential for them to be healthy and fit. In a move to promote healthier food practices amongst the forces, it has been decided that there will be a new millet-based menu at Armed Forces canteens. The Ministry of Defense has decided to include a millet-based menu in the messes, canteens and other food outlets of the armed forces.
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The concerned ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India FSSAI on this on Thursday. The agreement was signed by Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya whereas Lieutenant General Preet Mohinder Singh, director general (supplies and transport) from the defense ministry and Inoshi Sharma, executive director, FSSAI, also gave their presence. As per a recent statement issued by the Union Health Ministry, this move aims to create awareness about the nutritional benefits of diet diversity and millet-based food products among the personnel.
It stated, “this collaboration will also ensure training of food handlers and chefs of mess, canteens and other food outlets of the armed forces on food safety and hygiene, as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It signifies a shared commitment to the health and well-being of the armed forces to enable them to remain strong and resilient in their service to the nation”. “It will also encourage the families of the armed forces to adopt nutritious diets”.
Armed personnel face a lot of challenges in varied climatic conditions and thus, it is essential to have a diet rich in nutritional value. And there could be nothing better than millets. Millets are best known for their nutritional value and can contribute to a well-balanced and diverse diet, as per the statement. A book titled ‘Healthy Recipes for Defense’ promotes the consumption of ‘Shree Anna’ or millets, and its health benefits. The book was developed by FSSAI and has a wide range of millet-based dishes and will be a valuable resource for the food outlets for the ministry.
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