The ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023, organised by the Indian Mission to ASEAN in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, will take place in Indonesia from November 22nd to November 26th, 2023.
The festival’s first session was held at the Kota Kasablanka Mall, a popular shopping attraction in South Jakarta, Indonesia. As part of the event, a Millet-focused exhibition will be presented, with participation from Millet-based FPOs, start-ups, and Indian chefs.
During the festival, the Indian Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare will lead a delegation of professionals from the Indian millet ecosystem, including chefs, start-ups, representatives from Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), industry leaders, state officials, and others.
The exhibition aims to build collaboration across ASEAN countries, highlight cultural and gastronomic variety, and promote sustainable millet practices for a healthy future. The exhibition will also feature 5 Indian FPOs, namely Citi Block FPC, Jewargi Taluka Millets FPC, Bhumitrajalalpur, Vaam Agro, and Lambasingi Tribal Products FPC, along with two start-ups namely Taru Naturals and Sattva Millets and Food Products (Mibbles) exhibiting unique millet-added products such as millet cookies, namkeen, khakhra, cakes, and more.
From November 23rd to 26th, celebrity chefs from India and Indonesia will demonstrate the culinary potential of millets, presenting dishes such as Foxtail Millet Tabouleh, Mixed Millet Mathri Canopies, Millet Risotto, Millet Curd Rice, Ragi brownie and cookies each day.
During this time, chefs Mr. Vinesh Johny, Ms. Risma Widyastuti, Ms. Anahita Dhondy, Mr. Sabyasachi Gorai, and Ms. Ambika Johar will fascinate the audience with a unique dish every day.
The five-day festival will help to raise awareness about millets. It is also a step towards implementing the ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises, which was adopted at the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 7th, 2023.
Ambassador of India to ASEAN, Mr. Jayant Khobragade, stressed the critical significance of millets in tackling world hunger and nutrient shortages in his welcome remarks. Furthermore, the Head of the National Food Agency (Badan Pangan Nasional (BPN)) Indonesia, Mr. Arief Prasetyo Adi, emphasised millets as a farmer-friendly and sustainable food choice for the future in the face of climate change.
The day culminated with a delicious Asian-themed millet-based luncheon that demonstrated the diversity and nutritional worth of millets.
