'Chai Piyo aur Kulhad Khao': Deoria-based farmers create eco-friendly & edible kulhads

Innovations in the food sector of India have been manifold and the continuous developments have resulted in a fast-paced and ever-growing industry.

How often have you been intrigued by the concept of pizzas in kulhads? Or the concept of a cafe that has dining in cars? With diversification in food, the multitude of innovations have more often than not garnered praise and attention. They've been considered as heralders of a change in the young generations' definition of chilling and eating and the hatke ideas tend to often stand out for their sheer creativity.

One such unique initiative is edible kulhads made from millet by a Deoria-based farmers' group.

Hailing from the Uttar Pradesh city, these farmers have created something nutritious and distinct. Something chai lovers will most definitely admire — You can drink tea from these kulhads and then eat them like a healthy snack! The nutrient-dense kulhads are made of coarse grains like ragi (finger millet) and maize (corn) flour.

One of the creators, Ankit Rai, said, "To promote the benefits of millets, we created edible kulhads made of millets about two years ago. We have a special mould wherein we can make 24 cups in one go."

The innovation is also eco-friendly since the creation of these edible kulhads generate zero wastage. Moreover, women are involved and employed in the making process of these kulhads.

Besides the sustainability factor, these are also extremely economical. As for their cost, Rai continued, "It takes ₹5 to shape such kulhads and when tea is served in it, it costs ₹10."

"Initially, we connected with tea vendors in small villages of east UP, including Deoria, Gorakhpur, Siddharth Nagar and Kushinagar, but we managed to win hearts in other parts as well. Now, the demand has spread to Prayagraj, Varanasi, Lucknow and other districts."

Now that 2023 is officially the 'International Year of Millets', as declared by United Nations, the concept named 'Chai Piyo aur Kulhad Khao' seem to fit perfectly in the scenario. They have been displayed at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj and are being extolled by the audience.