India Takes Strides to Promote Millets Globally: APEDA’s Initiatives and Government’s Multi-Stakeholder Approach

New Delhi:  In its commitment to promoting the export of agricultural products, including millets, the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been actively engaged in supporting and assisting registered exporters. As a statutory organization under the Department of Commerce, APEDA’s Agriculture & Processed Food Export Promotion Scheme includes components like Infrastructure Development, Quality Development, and Market Development.

The organization facilitates export-market linkages through initiatives such as Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs) organized in clusters. Regular video conferences with Indian Missions abroad and country-specific BSMs enhance assessment and tapping of export opportunities. State-wise details of India’s millet exports for the year 2022-23 are available, showcasing the country’s global outreach in this sector.

The year 2023 was designated as the International Year of Millets (IYM – 2023), and the Government of India, with a multi-stakeholder engagement approach, celebrated it as a people’s movement. The proactive involvement of central government Ministries/Departments, States/UTs, farmers, start-ups, exporters, retail businesses, hotels, and Indian Embassies aimed at taking Indian millets to the global stage.

Various events, including the G20 presidency in India, Millet Culinary carnival, International Trade Events, Chefs Conference, and more, were organized to promote Indian millets, recipes, and value-added products worldwide. The Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad, declared as the Global Centre of Excellence, has been actively contributing to training farmers, women farmers, home-makers, students, and entrepreneurs on manufacturing value-added millet food products. IIMR has developed technologies for “Ready to Eat” and “Ready to Cook” millet foods.

To mainstream millets further, a ‘Millets Experience Centre (MEC)’ has been opened at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, promoting awareness and encouraging adoption among the public. Government offices have been advised to include millet snacks in departmental trainings/meetings and millet-based food items in departmental canteens to encourage consumption.

Efforts have been directed towards leveraging partnerships with start-ups, research institutions, Indian missions, processors, retailers, and exporters to promote Indian millets globally. An Export Promotion Forum (EPF) and a millet-specific web portal containing information, statistics, and an exporter’s directory have been established. A Virtual trade fair (VTF) for millets provides a platform for global interaction and business deals.

Participation in international trade fairs like BIOFACH – Germany, Gulfood – Dubai, Natural Products Expo West – USA, International Food and Drink (IFE) – UK, SIAL Food – Canada, Seoul Food & Hotel – South Korea, and more, has facilitated the presentation and promotion of Indian millet products on the global stage.

APEDA, along with the Government’s comprehensive approach, is actively contributing to the global promotion of Indian millets, aligning with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the agriculture and processed food sector.