Nagaland’s millet revival: a lost grain returns to Naga plates
The grain that fed Naga villages for generations is back — in porridge, beer and bakery loaves.
The millets that fed Naga villages for generations were pushed aside by rice and instant noodles — and now they are back, in porridge, traditional beer and bakery loaves.
A network of women farmers has revived indigenous millet varieties, and chefs in Kohima and Dimapur have put the grain on their menus.
Nutritionists cheer the return; farmers cheer the price. ‘Our grandparents ate this and worked the fields till ninety,’ one grower said.