Nutrition through milk, millets theme of World Food Day celebrations at vet varsity
The College of Dairy and Food Science Technology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, celebrated World Food Day. The theme for the celebration was “Milk & Millets: A Powerhouse of Nutrition”.
The event was graced by Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, vice-chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University as the chief guest and Dr JPS Gill, vice-chancellor, vet varsity, as the guest of honour. Dr RS Grewal, Director of Extension Education and other officers of the university also graced the occasion.
Dr RS Grewal introduced the theme of the event and emphasised on integration of milk and millets into daily diet to help address malnutrition and lifestyle related disorders.
Dr Satbir Singh Gosal addressed the gathering and said that World Food Day is a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that every citizen has access to safe, nutritious and sustainable food. The theme of the event reflects India’s rich agricultural heritage and its potential to combat malnutrition
Dr JPS Gill said that the theme beautifully captures the essence of sustainable and healthy eating. Millets, with their resilience and mineral richness, perfectly complement the high-quality proteins and calcium of milk. He further explained that different types of cheese prepared from buffalo, cow and goat milk have been exhibited for general awareness of the public about their nutritional attributes and ways of use. He also lauded the college for actively engaging students in exhibitions and recipe competition.
The college also showcased an exhibition on awareness regarding milk and milk-based composite dairy foods viz goat cheese, Mozzarella, Bocconcini, Ricotta, Feta cheese, Firni, millet namkeen and Mysore pak, aimed at creating awareness about food quality and safety. The students also organised recipe tasting sessions to promote nutritious foods incorporating milk/millets.
A recipe competition was organised in three categories — Milk, millet, fish & meat. The first prize in the ‘Milk category’ was bagged by Sakshi, MTech student for her innovative ‘Mozzarella cheese balls’. The first prize in the ‘Millet category’ went to Guran Kaur, a B.Tech student, for preparing a nutritious ‘Ragi malt drink’. The first prize in the ‘Fish & Meat category’ was won by the team from the College of Fisheries for their delicious and protein-rich ‘Fish Afghani Kabab’.
Speaking about the celebration, Dr Uppal said that such events help sensitise students about the importance of safe, nutritious and sustainable food systems.
Ludhiana