BENGALURU: While the state's ambitious Indira Canteen claims to have fed one crore people, the subsidised eateries will soon serve you with the state’s staple, ragi mudde (edible balls made out of ragi), ragi rotti and other millet dishes.
Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda, who has been spearheading the millets movement in the state, is pushing for the inclusion of millets in the Canteen menu.
“We have been talking to BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad. He is very supportive and positive. However, we understand that there are backend preparations required because of the scale of operations" Mr Byregowda said.
“I hope they can put the wherewithal in place and introduce millet-based foods in Indira Canteens at the earliest,” he said.
Mr Byregowda, who is promoting Millet Melas, is batting for millets with the message that 'rice' and 'white flour' didn't exist in our diet earlier. He said, “Millet-based foods in Indira Canteens will create more awareness about millets and its health benefits. We hope this will generate more demand for millets and that will lead to better incomes for rain-fed farmers".
Mr Manjunath Prasad told Deccan Chronicle that after the request from Mr Byregowda, the Palike has already started exploring the option of including millet dishes like ragi balls, ragi rotti, ragi dosa, ragi idly, navane anna (foxtail millet) and other millet varieties.
“Tenders were awarded to Indira Canteen food caterers on the basis of the menu which has specific rates for each dish. If millet recipes have to be added, the technical glitch should be tackled at the contractor's level,” he said. Already, menu and prices have been finalised with the contractors. The BBMP may have to either renegotiate with the contractors for introducing millet recipes or go for fresh tenders, he said.
