Millets on the Rise: India’s push to make 2023 the International Year of Millets sets stage for global impact

The International Year of Millets 2023 was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly and is being sponsored by the Government of India. The core objective of this initiative is to raise awareness and understanding of millets as a sustainable food source, with a focus on increasing demand and livelihoods for farmers. The initiative was officially started on December 6th, 2022 at Rome, Italy and it will run throughout the year 2023.

Overview

The International Year of Millets 2023 is a global initiative led by the Government of India and the United Nations to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of millets as a sustainable food source. Millets are a group of small-seeded, drought-tolerant, and heat-resistant cereal crops that have been grown for thousands of years and have been a traditional food source for millions of people in Africa, Asia, and parts of South America and Europe. They are also considered to be more sustainable crops than other staples, as they require less water and agricultural inputs to grow.

The Government of India is actively promoting the International Year of Millets in 2023, with the goal of positioning India as a global hub for millets and making the initiative a “people’s movement.” The government has taken a multi-stakeholder approach to increase awareness and demand for millets, engaging with different government departments, states, farmers, exporters, and other organizations to promote the benefits of millets for consumers, cultivators, and the climate.

The global millets market is projected to register a compound annual growth rate of 4.5% between 2021 and 2026. The International Year of Millets 2023 is expected to boost this trend, with various activities and events being planned throughout the year to increase awareness, demand, and livelihoods. The opening ceremony of the year was held on December 6th, 2022 in Rome, Italy. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will host various events to promote the IYM 2023.

The International Year of Millets 2023, and the Government of India’s efforts to promote it, may have benefits for several different groups of people and organizations.

Farmers

The promotion of millets could lead to an increase in demand for the crop, which could benefit farmers who grow millets. The increasing demand for millet would lead to an increase in their income and livelihood.

Consumers

Millets are considered to be nutritious and healthy, by promoting millets, would increase their availability and may lead to greater awareness and understanding of their health benefits. This could lead to more people incorporating millet into their diets, which could have positive health effects.

Exporters

If the demand for millets increases globally due to the promotion, it may create opportunities for Indian exporters of millets and related products.

Climate

Millets are drought-tolerant and heat-resistant cereal crops that are well-suited to growing in challenging environments. They are considered to be more sustainable crops than other staples that

require more water and agricultural inputs. Promoting millet may help to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and contribute to climate change mitigation.

Overall, it is beneficial for people who are health-conscious and for those who care about climate change, it is also beneficial for farmers, exporters, and for people who are looking for new food options.

Important bullet points

· The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

· The goal of the designation is to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of millet as a sustainable food source.

· Millets are drought-tolerant and heat-resistant cereal crops, well-suited for challenging environments, and are an important food source for millions of people in Africa, Asia, and parts of South America and Europe.

· Government of India has proposed and sponsored the International Year of Millets, it is actively promoting it in 2023.

· Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned this year to be a “People’s Movement” and to position India as a “Global Hub for Millets.”

· The Government of India has taken a multi-stakeholder approach, engaging different government departments, states, farmers, exporters, and other organizations to promote millets and their benefits for the consumer, cultivator, and the climate.

· The global millets market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period between 2021-2026.

· Opening ceremony of the International Year of Millets – 2023 was held on December 6th, 2022 in Rome, Italy.

· A special ‘Millet Luncheon’ was hosted by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for the Members of the Parliament at the Parliament house.

· Different government departments, states, and Indian embassies have been allocated focused months in 2023 to carry out various activities for the promotion of IYM and increase awareness about the benefits of millets.

· Ministries of Sports, Food Processing Industry, FSSAI, and states of Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and others are carrying out several activities for the promotion of IYM.

Conclusion

The International Year of Millets 2023 aims to increase awareness and understanding of millets as a sustainable food source, with India taking the lead in promoting it as a “People’s Movement” and positioning the country as a “Global Hub for Millets.” It also focuses on generating demand, and livelihoods and aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting its benefits for the Consumer, Cultivator, and Climate.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.