Mysore/Mysuru: “Youths are spoiling their health because of their addiction to junk food. Instead, they should include millets in their daily food habits and lead a healthy life,” advised Dr. K.A. Raveesha, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru.

He was speaking at a seminar organised as part of ‘International Year of Millets-2023’ by the Department of Science and Technology’s Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE) under the title ‘Importance of Millets and Food Security’ at JSS AHER’s Rajendra Centenary Hall here recently.

“Our food habits start with our mother who decides what is good for the child’s health and give quality food. When we grow up, we stay in hostels to pursue education and eat junk food sold on roadside. If you include millets in your daily food now itself, you will lead a balanced and healthy life,” opined Dr. Raveesha.

JSS Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. C.P. Madhu, who also spoke on the occasion,                           said that millets have better nutrients and through their balanced use, it is possible to make India free from malnutrition apart from doubling the income of farmers.

“Millets have attracted more attention in recent years because of its nutritional values, environment and low price. India is the largest producer of millets in the world as crops like jowar, ragi and others are grown in abundance here. Millets are grown in States like Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra and Maharashtra,” said Dr. Madhu.

An exhibition of Millets was organised on the occasion to encourage the use of millets.