Andhra Pradesh CM launches ‘Araku Kouni’ tribal millet menu to mainstream indigenous cuisine

Key facts

• Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched ‘Araku Kouni’, the state’s first tribal millet-based food menu, during the Collectors’ Conference at the Secretariat.
• The menu features traditional recipes sourced from indigenous communities in Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district.
• Dishes include Korra Payasam, Ragi Chapati, Samala Pulihora, Kantla Ambali, Corn Vada and Toor Dal Curry.
• The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) will introduce the menu in all Haritha restaurants across ASR district and later extend it to other tourism outlets in the state.
• The ASR district administration led the initiative with support from tribal anganwadi workers, the Indian Culinary Institute, Tirupati, and the Department of Tourism.
• Ingredients are cultivated without chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
• The district tourism team and the Indian Culinary Institute documented recipes along with nutritional values, calorific indices and health benefits.