Letter From Kolkata

Millet makeover: Ancient grain set to charm world as 'food of the future'

The UN is marking 2023 as International Year of Millets, after India proposed it.

A group of Indian farmers holding millet crops (left). Millet is finding its way into restaurant menus across India. PHOTOS: DECCAN DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY, SMITA SHARAN
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

KOLKATA - It was about a decade ago, while shooting in rural Tamil Nadu, that actor and cardiologist Bharath Reddy first tasted millet.

Until then, like most Indians reared on rice and wheat, he had little idea about this nutritious but overlooked group of grains.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.