Ragi Health Drink Added to Assam’s School Feeding Programme

Assam’s education department has introduced a millet‑derived health drink into its school lunch menus as part of the PM‑Poshan expansion. The ragi drink, valued for its high calcium and iron levels, is being served in government‑run and aided schools across the state. Roughly 1.175 million children are now receiving the fortified beverage daily.

The initiative aligns with the broader goal of diversifying children’s diets and reducing micronutrient deficiencies. By incorporating ragi, a traditional grain, the programme also supports local agriculture and farmer incomes. Officials say the drink complements existing meals, which now also feature two supplementary eggs per week for around 475,000 students.

The chief minister emphasized that linking nutrition with education is vital for the holistic development of children, particularly those from low‑income families.