Two-day Millet Mela to showcase rare millet varieties including Sikia from MP
2 min read
Mysuru: A two-day millet mela being held at Nanjaraja Bahaddur Choultry here from August 26 will have many unknown millet varieties that are rare to find in Karnataka.
Among the new varieties, Job’s tears that are grown in Nagaland, predominantly, will be on display at the fair. Apart from its health benefits, the Job’s tears are used to make Zhu or Dzu (Beer). Not just that, they are great in demand in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine as they are rich in nutrients.
The mela will also showcase, Crabgrass finger millet or Sikiya from Madhya Pradesh. This millet consumed largely by the Baiga tribal community is not known outside the community. The millet, one of the nutri cereals, has 12 per cent of protein among other millets. It is easy to cook and known to strengthen the immune system. It is light yellow in colour and appears smaller than other millets.
Sikia, Digitaria Sanguinalis in scientific lexicon is grown and consumed by Baiga community.
Although, considered as weeds – as it resembles wild ragi – elsewhere, the Baiga tribes have grown and relished the Sikia for ages. But over the years, the cultivation of Sikia is dwindling. Naresh Biswas from MP is showcasing this protein-rich millet at the mela. Visitors can relish cookies prepared by Sikia. Sikia rice will also be displayed at the fair.
The two-day mela being organised by Sahaja Samruddha was inaugurated by Suttur mutt seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra swami. Noted danseuse and actor Yamuna Srinidhi released a poster on millet.
At the mela, there are competitions to encourage visitors to take active part in the fair.
On Saturday evening, a competition will be held to identify the millet by tasting a snack. On Sunday, there will be a drawing competition for children on millets and at 12.30 pm, a cooking competition will be held. Participants have to cook a meal using millets.
-Team Mysoorunews
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