Global Millets Conference to Be Inaugurated by PM Modi On March 18

According to a government statement: This two-day global conference will have sessions on all the important matters regarding millets like awareness and promotion of millets among producers, consumers, and other stakeholders along with the health and nutritional aspects of millets, market linkages, millets value chain development, and research and development.

In addition to this, the statement also added that the conference will be attended by the agriculture ministers of several countries, health experts, international scientists, nutritionists, start-up leaders, and other stakeholders.

Furthermore, in line with the Prime Minister's observation to make the occasion of IYM 2023 a 'people's movement' and position India as the 'global hub for millets', all central government ministries/departments, states/UTs, exporters, farmers, start-ups, retail businesses, and other stakeholders, are being involved to assist and spread awareness on the benefits of millets for the cultivator, consumer, and the climate. In this context, the organization of the Global Millets Conference in India is an important program.

The United Nations General Assembly has announced the year 2023 'International Year of Millets'.

India’s efforts led to this United Nations Resolution being adopted with assistance from more than 70 nations across the globe, helping in creating awareness across the world on the significance of millet in sustainable agriculture and its benefits as a smart superfood.

India is assured to become the global hub for millets with a production of more than 170 lakh tonnes which makes for more than 80 % of the millets produced in Asia.

In the Indus civilization, earlier evidence for these grains has been found and was one of the first plants to be domesticated for food. For around 60 crore people in Asia & Africa, it is the traditional food and is grown in about 131 countries.

To celebrate IYOM, 2023, the Government of India has declared to make it a people's movement so that Indian millets, recipes, and value-added products are globally accepted.

To promote millets as a key constituent of the food basket, the 'International Year of Millets' stands to offer a unique opportunity to expand global production, assure efficient processing and consumption, promote better utilization of crop rotations, and enhance better connectivity throughout food systems.