Based on India’s proposal for 2023 it is declared the International Year of Millets by the United Nations General Assembly.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Millets (Shri Anna) in a conference held at Subramaniam Hall, NASC Complex, IARI Campus, PUSA New Delhi in line with Prime Minister’s vision is to make the celebrations of International Year of Millets (IYM) it “people’s movement.”
Modiji envisions India as the “global hub for millets”, the Central Governments and Ministries including states, UTs, farmers, startups, exporters, retail businesses and other stakeholders, are being engaged to promote and spread awareness about the benefits of Millets.
“The two-day global conference will have sessions on all important issues related to millets (Shree Anna) like promotion and awareness of millets among producers, consumers and other stakeholders; millets’ value chain development; health and nutritional aspects of millets; market linkages; research and development etc,” the PMO said.
The conference was attended by Agriculture Ministers of various countries, international scientists, nutritionists, health experts, start-up leaders and other stakeholders.
What is the significance of the ‘International Year of Millets’?
The ‘International Year of Millets’ stands to provide a unique opportunity to increase global production, ensure efficient processing and consumption, promote better utilization of crop rotations and encourage better connectivity throughout food systems to promote millets as a key component of the food basket.
A video on millets, which the government named ‘Shree Anna’, was also released during the event, with the announcement of the Hyderabad-based Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) as the global centre of excellence.
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and his counterparts from six countries were present at the event. Video messages from the Heads of State of Ethiopia and Guyana were also played during the inaugural ceremony.
A roundtable session of agriculture ministers as well as bilateral meetings will be convened later. The global conference is expected to witness participation from over 100 countries, and several stakeholders will attend the event virtually from across the globe.
The two-day conference will witness participation from dignitaries such as Dr Jaquelene Hughes, Director General, ICRISAT; Jong-Jin Kim, Assistant Director General & Regional Representative for Asia and Pacific, FAO; Kapil Dev, Cricketer; Geeta Phogat, Wrestler, Commonwealth Gold Medallist; Chef Thomas Gugler, President, World Association of Chefs, etc., alongside an esteemed audience of Padma Awardee farmers.
An Exhibition-cum- Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) with a focus on millets will also be held with the participation of more than 50 domestic and international buyers, importers, exporters and processors for the promotion of millets.
The exhibition of more than 100 stalls will showcase millets and millet-based ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products by millet-based startups, exporters and live cooking sessions by various international and national chefs.
On March 5, 2021, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM), accepting India’s proposal.
Through this declaration, the UNGA aims to elevate awareness of nutri-cereals (millets) for food security and nutrition, enhance investment in R&D and extension, and inspire stakeholders towards improving production, productivity and quality of millets.
The outcome of the Conference
The year 2023 will witness a year-long campaign and several activities nationally and globally for increased adoption and promotion of millets.
The two-day conference will also witness wider participation from Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)/ Farmers Self-Help Groups, schools, Agri-Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Gram Panchayats, Common Service Centres (CSC), Cooperative Institutions, Hotel Management Schools, Indian Embassies and Diaspora, etc.
Through this conference, the health benefits of millet were highlighted and this will be a change in people’s healthy living style it is a fat- free diet meal along with less gluten which can make a person more energetic.
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