International fast food chain McDonald’s has added a swadeshi twist to its menu by rolling out the Millet Bun Burger.
The latest addition, prepared using a homegrown innovation developed with indigenous technology from the Mysuru-based CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), has drawn praise from the Central government, which views it as a notable step in India’s efforts to promote millets as a mainstream, everyday food option.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh hailed the move as proof that “Videshi has turned Swadeshi,” calling it a proud moment for India’s food innovation ecosystem. In a post on X, Singh commended the global fast-food chain for adopting indigenous research and food technology developed within India.
“Videshi turns to Swadeshi” as the popular international food chain McDonald’s serves India’s “Millet Bun Burger”, prepared using indigenous technology developed by the Mysore based CSIR institute, the “Central Food Technological Research Institute “CFTRI,” he said on X.
“Videshi turns to #Swadeshi” as the popular international food chain McDonald’s serves India’s “Millet Bun Burger”, prepared using indigenous technology developed by the Mysore based #CSIR institute, the “Central Food Technological Research Institute “ #CFTRI.
A proud moment… pic.twitter.com/yGyya94anf
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 2, 2025
He added that this is a “proud moment” showcasing how Indian innovation and traditional nutrition are reshaping global food trends.
The announcement has been highlighted as a reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push on millets as a superfood, under the broader initiative informally known as the ‘Millet Movement’.
“A grand vindication for India’s Millet movement which had gained momentum with the UN declaring 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’ at the behest of India with the personal intervention of PM Modi,” he added.
The Indian government has been actively promoting millets both domestically and internationally.
The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023), following a proposal spearheaded by India. Since then, policymakers have encouraged millet integration across welfare schemes, food security programmes, and commercial food markets.
International Year of Millets was looked at as an opportunity to raise awareness of, and direct policy attention to the nutritional and health benefits of millets and their suitability for cultivation under adverse and changing climatic conditions. The Year promoted the sustainable production of millets, while highlighting their potential to provide new sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers.
