Chandrababu Naidu Launches ‘Araku Kouni’ Tribal Millet Menu in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched ‘Araku Kouni’, the state’s first tribal millet-based food menu, during the Collectors’ Conference held at the State Secretariat.

The initiative aims to bring traditional millet-based diets of tribal communities into mainstream food culture, while also highlighting the rich culinary heritage of the tribal regions of Andhra Pradesh.

What is ‘Araku Kouni’?

Araku Kouni is a specially curated menu featuring authentic tribal millet recipes sourced directly from indigenous communities in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district.

The initiative focuses on promoting healthy millet-based foods while supporting tribal farmers and preserving their traditional cooking practices.

Traditional Dishes Featured in the Menu

The Araku Kouni menu includes a variety of traditional tribal dishes prepared using locally grown millets and ingredients from the region.

Some of the key dishes include:

• Korra Payasam – A sweet dish made from foxtail millet
• Ragi Chapati – Nutritious flatbread made from finger millet
• Samala Pulihora – Millet-based tamarind rice
• Kantla Ambali – A traditional fermented millet drink
• Corn Vada – Savory fritters made with corn and spices
• Toor Dal Curry – A protein-rich lentil curry served with millet dishes

These dishes reflect the deep-rooted food traditions of the Araku region’s farmlands and forest areas.

Initiative Led by ASR District Administration

The project was spearheaded by the administration of Alluri Sitarama Raju district with support from several institutions, including:

• Tribal Anganwadi workers
• Indian Culinary Institute
• Andhra Pradesh Department of Tourism

Their collaboration helped document traditional recipes and convert them into a structured menu that can be promoted across restaurants and tourism centres.

Government Focus on Tribal Development

Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reiterated the state government’s commitment to tribal welfare and economic empowerment.

By promoting tribal cuisine through initiatives like Araku Kouni, the government aims to:

• Support tribal farmers growing millets
• Preserve traditional food knowledge
• Promote healthy and sustainable diets
• Boost food tourism in tribal regions