FICCI Shree Anna Millet Conclave Live Updates: Millet Man of India Dr Khader Vali Inaugurates Ceremony Celebrating 'The International Year Of Millets 2023'

FICCI Shree Anna Millet Conclave was held in New Delhi on August 24, 2023. It delineates the celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023. The Millet Man of India, Dr Khader Vali, inaugurated the ceremony. The Conclave had four plenary sessions that highlighted the importance of enhancing millet production, supply chain efficiency, and nurturing millet culture. The event felicitates the 2^nd edition of FICCI Millet Startup Award winners.

While addressing the event, the Millet Man of India, Dr Khader Vali, opined that we can eliminate diseases like cancer and diabetes from the planet only if we consume millet. He added that millet is beyond nutrition and this is the food for the human race.

Session 1: Positioning India: The Global Hub for Millets

The session emphasized the global significance of millets in sustainable food systems, with a focus on enhancing quality standards, promoting millet-based products globally, and establishing partnerships to strengthen global trade. Discussions focused on strategies, initiatives, and collaborations to achieve the objective of positioning India as the 'Global Hub for Millets'.

The session was moderated by T R Kesavan, Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President, TAFE Ltd. He said, "We firmly believe that the promotion of millet is not just a matter of health but also a matter of economic growth. The cultivation and processing of millets can create employment opportunities and boost the income of our farmers and rural communities."

Dr C Tara Satyavathi, Director of ICAR-IIMR highlighted the importance of millets as 'nutri-cereals' and said that Millets can act as a nutrition-based prevention model against anemia and diabetes, which will have a higher burden based on WHO's projections.

Session 2: Unleashing the Farmers' Edge: Enhancing Millet Production, Productivity, and Supply Chain Efficiency

The session aimed to explore strategies and innovations that can unlock the potential of farmers in millet production. The discussions primarily focused on enhancing the supply chain efficiency of millet as it is crucial to promote awareness and education about millet's nutritional value which can boost consumer demand. The discussions highlighted the best practices available, the challenges faced, and actionable recommendations for empowering farmers.

Session 3: Millet Policy 2.0: A Roadmap for Transformation & Growth 

The session focused on fostering collaboration among stakeholders and propelling the implementation of impactful policies that unlock the full potential of millet, benefitting nutrition, the environment, and the economy. The discussions gave in-depth knowledge about the essential policy, including research and development, market access, investment incentives, and sustainability measures.

Shweta Singh, Strategic Marketing Lead - Mustard & Millet, Corteva Agriscience said, "Enriching the lives of millet farmers and millet consumers and ensuring progress for generations to come is imperative."

"Corteva is dedicated to giving innovative & sustainable solutions to Millet farmers, such as hybrid millets which give 15- 20% more yield, are stress & disease resistant & improve farmer profitability. We firmly believe that when farmers succeed, everyone wins," said, Ravinder Balain, President, South Asia, Corteva Agriscience.

Session 4: Nurturing Millet Culture

The final session aimed to empower individuals with knowledge, insights, and practical tips to promote millet consumption and foster a healthier lifestyle. During this session, speakers shared experiences, success stories, and challenges encountered in promoting millets at the community and household levels.

Sessions 3 and 4 were conducted together due to time constraint