Nigeria Has Potential to Become a Model of South-South Cooperation on Millets: Abhilaksh Likhi

A high-Level Indian Delegation led by Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is in Abuja, Nigeria to strengthen South-South Association and Cooperation on Millets to next level.

Talking to media, Likhi said that the visit comes in the wake of India kick starting the International Year of Millets (IYoM) 2023 on the very first day of this year with Focused Activities being undertaken by Central Ministries, State/UT Governments and Indian Embassies.

He added that the High Commission of India in Abuja and the Consulate General of India in Lagos have scheduled a Millets Food Festival and a Millets Food preparation competition as part of the promotion of IYM. The Millets Food Festival will be held at the High Commission premises and provide stalls for preparation with invitees including both Nigerian dignitaries as well as Indian community.

He said Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Tomar delivering a Valedictory Address on January 24 at India International Science Festival in Bhopal pointed out that IYM-23 is happening at a time, when India has assumed the G-20 Presidency under PM Modi, where we will be displaying India’s ability, not only in Agriculture and Allied Sectors, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, but in every sector.

Nigeria is the second richest and most populous country of the 54 countries in African Continent and it could become a ‘Model of South-South Cooperation on Millets’ along with other key partners such as Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, Kenya, Angola, Ghana and Sudan to address the “lack of food security" that remains one of the most difficult challenges facing the African continent.

The International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 initiative was presented by the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and approved by the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The proclamation has been essential for the Indian government's leadership in IYM celebrations. In addition to promoting India as the "Global Hub for Millets," Shri Narendra Modi has highlighted his vision for turning IYM 2023 into a "People's Movement."

It may be noted that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) hosted an inaugural ceremony for the International Year of Millets - 2023 (IYM2023) in Rome, Italy. The inaugural ceremony was attended by a group from India led by Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, as well as Smt. Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary (Crops), DA&FW and other senior officials. Sushri Shobha Karandlaje delivered the ceremonial message on behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of India during the ceremony.