New Delhi: In a significant stride towards enhancing global awareness and demand for millets, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM) following a proposal by the Government of India. Supported by 72 countries, this initiative aimed at promoting the nutritional value of millets and bolstering their production, consumption, and export.
The Government of India adopted a multi-stakeholder engagement approach involving central government Ministries, States/UTs, farmers, start-ups, exporters, retail businesses, hotels, and Indian Embassies to realize the objectives of IYM 2023 and elevate the global prominence of Indian millets.
The focus during IYM-2023 was on boosting production and productivity, consumption, export, strengthening value chains, branding, and creating awareness of the health benefits associated with millets. Various events were organized, including the Millet Culinary carnival, International Trade Events, Chef’s Conference, and the ASEAN India Millet Festival at Indonesia and Delhi, to promote millets globally.
A pivotal event was the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference held in New Delhi from March 18th to 19th, 2023, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad, was declared the Global Centre of Excellence to share best practices, research, and technologies internationally, fostering India’s position as a global hub for ‘Shree Anna.’
IIMR is actively involved in training farmers, women farmers, homemakers, students, and young entrepreneurs on manufacturing value-added millet food products. The institute has developed technologies for “Ready to Eat” and “Ready to Cook” millet foods, branded as “Eatrite,” and organized awareness programs, agri-business incubators, and technology business incubators.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries approved the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry for Millet-based products (PLISMBP) with an outlay of Rs. 800 crores for 2022-23 to 2026-27. Millets are also included under the Poshan Abhiyan of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, with revised guidelines for increased procurement under various public distribution systems.
To facilitate millet exports, an Export Promotion Forum dedicated to promoting millets in the international market has been established. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is creating awareness under the Eat Right campaign, promoting millets as part of a healthy and varied diet.
In a move to boost production, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing a Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals (Millets) under the National Food Security Mission in all districts of 28 States & 2 Union Territories. Incentives are provided to farmers for various activities, including crop production and protection technologies, seed distribution, and capacity building through training programs.
The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shri Arjun Munda, highlighted these initiatives in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting millets for improved nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and global recognition of India’s agricultural prowess.
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