PM Modi to inaugurate Global Millets conference on March 18

Based on India's proposal, the year 2023 was declared as the International Year of Millets (IYM) by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference in New Delhi on Friday at 11 am. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.

"The two-day global conference will have sessions on all important issues related to millets (Shree Anna) like promotion and awareness of millets among producers, consumers and other stakeholders; millets' value chain development; health and nutritional aspects of millets; market linkages; research and development etc," said a government statement.

"The conference will be attended by Agriculture Ministers of various countries, international scientists, nutritionists, health experts, start-up leaders and other stakeholders," it added.

Also, in line with the Prime Minister's vision to make the celebrations of IYM 2023 a 'people's movement' and position India as the 'global hub for millets', all central government ministries/departments, states/UTs, farmers, start-ups, exporters, retail businesses and other stakeholders, are being engaged to promote and spread awareness about the benefits of millets (Shree Anna) for the cultivator, consumer and climate. The organisation of Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference in India is an important programme in this context.

The United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2023 'International Year of Millets'. It is the Prime Minister's vision and initiative that led to this United Nations Resolution being adopted with support from more than 70 nations across the globe.

It will help in creating awareness throughout the world about the significant role of millets in sustainable agriculture and its benefits as a smart and superfood. India is poised 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.

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

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

The 'International Year of Millets' stands to provide a unique opportunity to increase global production, ensure efficient processing and consumption, promote better utilisation of crop rotations and encourage better connectivity throughout food systems to promote millets as a key component of the food basket.