Ernakulam KVK drives Kerala's millet market growth, promotes healthy millet-fish fusion flavors

KOCHI, 25 December 2023: The Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is set to facilitate market value chain for millets within Kerala and popularise fusion flavours of millet-fish combo as a balanced diet.

In line with this move, a millet-fish festival will be held in Kochi from December 28-30 to bring together millet farmers, farmer producer companies, agri-startups, fish processors, traders, fish lovers and consumers under one umbrella. 

From fostering connections between farmers and markets to promoting a healthy culinary combination to encouraging start-up initiatives, a series of objectives are targeted during the event. It will feature a variety of activities, including a buyer-seller meet, millet and fish food festival, live fish sale, sale of millets and millet-based products, millet cookery show, millet recipe contest, technology exhibition, product launch, nutrition and health talks and seminars. The fest will also have a Lakshadweep farmers’ stall showcasing indigenous farm produce and food products from the islands.

Healthy eating habits

The festival focuses on promoting healthy eating habits and developing market value chain in Kerala for millets produced by farmers in other states”, said Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI. The combination of millets and fish is highly prospective as a wholesome and nutritional diet, enriching the diverse tapestry of Kerala cuisine. Creating awareness on tasty recipes and  fusion flavours is a crucial step to popularise these dishes, he said. 

Connecting Markets and Enhancing Flavours

The buyer-seller meet offers a distinctive platform for traders and consumers to engage directly with primary producers of top-quality food and agricultural products. Millet farmers, farmer producer companies, millet entrepreneurs, fish processors, self-help groups, and agri-startups will exhibit their diverse range of products. Adding a flavour to the event, spice Farmers' Producer Organisations (FPOs) and start-ups, associated with the ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research in Kozhikkode will actively participate, providing authentic ingredients to elevate the taste of millet-fish combo dishes. 

Partners and Collaborators

The event is supported by various organizations, including the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research in Hyderabad, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Hyderabad, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikkode, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi, Commissionerate of Food Safety Kerala, National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT), the Society for Assistance to Fisherwomen (SAF), Food Crafts Institute, Kalamassery, Kerala Hotel and Restaurants Association, All Kerala Bakers Association, All India Radio Kochi FM, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras functioning in Kerala among many others.

Dr.ShinojSubramannian, Principal Scientist & Head of KVK can be contacted for enquiries at 9496303457.