ODISHA MILLETS MISSION COLLABORATES WITH BOCCA CAFE

ODISHA MILLETS MISSION COLLABORATES WITH BOCCA CAFE

As part of its program for the promotion of millets, Odisha Millets Mission (OMM), a Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha initiative, has collaborated with BOCCA Cafe, Bhubaneswar to promote millets as a nutritional alternative amongst the youth and to showcase the many dishes that can be crafted from bajra, jowar, mandia and other millets. The event took place at BOCCA Cafe, Master Canteen. 

Odisha Millets Mission is a flagship programme of the Government of Odisha launched in 2017 to improve nutrition at the household level through the revival of millets in farms and on plates of tribal communities in Odisha. This first-of-its-kind agricultural initiative to encourage the cultivation of nutrition-rich millets goes beyond bringing the traditional food of Odisha’s tribes back on plates. It answers one of the enduring questions: what can be done to protect and revive the environment as well as provide better income to farmers, particularly those with small farms?

BOCCA worked with OMM and has come out with an exclusive millets-based menu which was launched in the event. The menu was curated by the chefs at BOCCA and experts of Odisha Millets Mission. The idea was to create continental/ mexican/ bakery dishes which will give millets a more upmarket identity, helping the current generation consume it and in the process help the farmers.

Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department was the chief guest at the event. He interacted with the RAO members present and encouraged them to add millets-based dishes in their menu, which they readily accepted.

“Even educated people are ignorant about the many benefits of millets. We are often under the wrong impression that millets or mandia, as we call it, is for the poor. But that’s a myth. It is a very healthy alternative and I would recommend everyone to make consumption of millets a daily habit for better health. The objective of OMM is the same. And we are happy to collaborate with BOCCA Cafe and bring a variety of dishes made exclusively from millets to your plate,” he said.

Co-founder of BOCCA Cafe, Sameer Hans said, “BOCCA Cafe has always been about more than just food. Being a part of such great initiative is indeed great. Our chefs have put in their efforts to put this healthy ingredient and made a special menu consisting of a variety of dishes ranging from soups, muffins, salad, breads, and many more. We hope this collaboration goes a long way.”

Ollywood celebrity Kuna Tripathy also attended the event. He emphasised on the need for the current generation to opt for healthy alternatives in their daily diet and how the role of BOCCA Cafe in incorporating millets in their menu is going to influence many people across all generations to try out and enjoy healthy food.

The event also saw the presence of the board members of Restaurant Association Odisha (RAO), owners of Michael’s Kitchen, Dawat, Odisha Hotel, Green Chillyz and Prangan (Mango Hotels).