Archive · 17 Sep 2026
PM Modi Highlights Sea Buckthorn, Makhana And Other Superfoods
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recommended several traditional Indian foods.
Sea buckthorn is a plant that he said contains a lot of vitamin C. He also discussed claims that parts of the plant may help with some health problems.
Makhana is a crunchy snack that is high in protein and low in calories.
Millets such as ragi, jowar, and bajra have been grown in India for thousands of years.
Modi has also talked about eating drumstick parathas made with nutritious moringa leaves.
Black rice and bhakri dal are other traditional foods mentioned in the article.
These foods are presented as healthy choices connected to local farmers and culture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted sea buckthorn’s reported vitamin C content and potential health uses during a 2026 convocation ceremony.
Modi has called makhana a “supersnack,” citing its protein, low-calorie content, and benefits for kidney and heart health.
Millets, including ragi, jowar, and bajra, were promoted during the 2023 International Year of Millets.
Modi has spoken about eating drumstick parathas, with moringa leaves providing iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
Black rice from Manipur and Odisha, along with Gujarat’s bhakri dal, was described as nutritious and culturally significant.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommended or highlighted several traditional Indian foods.
- What
- He discussed sea buckthorn, makhana, millets, drumstick, black rice, and bhakri dal as nutritious foods or ingredients.
- When
- The article was last updated on September 17, 2026; the sea buckthorn discussion occurred earlier in 2026, while 2023 was the International Year of Millets.
- Where
- The foods are associated with different parts of India, including Bihar, Manipur, Odisha, and Gujarat.
- Why
- They were highlighted for reported nutritional or health benefits, traditional importance, and support for farmers and local livelihoods.
- Featured foods
- Sea buckthorn, makhana, millets, drumstick, black rice, and bhakri dal
- Sea buckthorn
- Modi cited claims about possible health uses and said it has sufficient vitamin C content.
- Makhana
- Described as high in protein, low in calories, and beneficial for kidney and heart health.
- Millets
- Ragi, jowar, and bajra were highlighted during the 2023 International Year of Millets.
- Drumstick
- Moringa leaves were described as rich in iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
- Black rice
- Associated with growers in Manipur and Odisha; it was described as supporting digestion, blood-sugar regulation, and heart health.
- Bhakri dal
- A Gujarat traditional combination of a jowar or bajra flatbread with dal, providing protein and iron.