Amaravati, Mar 12 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday launched ‘Araku Kouni’, Andhra Pradesh’s first tribal millet-based food menu, during the 6th Collectors’ Conference held at the state secretariat.
The initiative aims to integrate traditional millet-based diets into mainstream food culture while showcasing the rich culinary heritage of tribal communities in Alluri Sitarama Raju district.
The Araku Kouni menu features authentic tribal recipes sourced from indigenous communities of the district, including dishes such as Korra Payasam, Ragi Chapati, Samala Pulihora, Kantla Ambali, Corn Vada and Toor Dal Curry, reflecting the traditional food culture of the Araku Valley region.
Speaking on the occasion, Naidu reiterated the government’s commitment to tribal development and promotion of nutritious traditional foods.
The initiative has been spearheaded by the district administration with support from tribal Anganwadi workers, the Indian Culinary Institute in Tirupati and the state tourism department.
Officials said the ingredients used in the menu are cultivated in naturally rich environments without chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
The district tourism team, in collaboration with the culinary institute, has documented the recipes along with their nutritional values, calorific indices and wellness attributes.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) will introduce the Araku Kouni menu in all Haritha restaurants across ASR district and gradually extend it to other tourism outlets across the state.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated an Araku Kouni food counter during the conference to promote healthy traditional diets and culinary tourism in the state.
TNT KM
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