July 2 is the anniversary of inclusion of Raggi laddu in the existing menu of pre- school children enrolled under ICDS in Keonjhar district.
Sources revealed that Raggi laddu prepared from millet was a traditional food of the tribal people of Keonjhar district. Millet has 30 times more calcium and four times more iron than the polished rice.
It has more fibers, minerals and anti- oxidants.
In the 1st phase, on July 2, 2020 the scheme had started with students of 335 Anganwari centres of Sadar block but subsequently from September 1, 2020 onwards, it covered 86,925 preschool children in age group of 3 to 6 years of total 3,257 Anganwadi Centers of the district which involves of total cost of Rs1.5crore being funded by the DMF.
As per the scheme, two Raggi laddus per week are provided to each preschool child.
The unique scheme which provides additional source of income to the SHGs preparing and supplying the Raggi laddu and also boosts the income of millet farmers is featured by Niti Aayog in its health and nutritional practices insights.