International Year of Millets 2023: Closing Ceremony | UPSC

International Year of Millets 2023, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

International Year of Millets:

• In March 2021, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, following a proposal led by India and supported by over 70 countries.
• The year-long celebration effectively raised awareness about the nutritional and health benefits of millet consumption, as well as the suitability of millets for cultivation under adverse and changing climatic conditions.
• Additionally, it highlighted the advantages of creating sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers.

About Millets:

• Indian millets, known for their rich nutritional content and drought tolerance, are primarily cultivated in the arid and semi-arid regions of the country.
• They are small-seeded grasses belonging to the botanical family Poaceae.
• They are also known as “coarse cereals” or “cereals of the poor“.
• Indian Millets are nutritionally superior to wheat and rice as they are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.
• They constitute an important source of food and fodder for millions of resource-poor farmers and play a vital role in ecological and economic security of India.

Benefits of Millets:

• Millets are highly adaptable to various ecological conditions, thriving in rain-fed and arid climates with minimal water, fertilizer, and pesticide requirements.
• Compared to other cereals they have superior micronutrient profile and bioactive flavonoids.
• They have a low Glycaemic Index (GI) and are associated with the prevention of diabetes.
• They are good source of minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium.
• They are gluten-free and can be consumed by celiac disease patients.
• Their consumption has a beneficial effect on managing and preventing hyperlipidemia and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
• They are found to be helpful with the reduction of weight, BMI, and high blood pressure.
• In India, millets are commonly consumed with legumes, resulting in mutual supplementation of protein, increased amino acid content, and improved overall digestibility of protein.
• They are used for dual purposes as food as well as fodder, which make it more farming efficient.
• Their cultivation helps to reduce the carbon footprint.
• Its high nutritional value, rich in fiber and essential minerals, ensures its significance as a staple food crop in the future.

Indian Millet Production Scenario:

• India is the largest producer of millet, followed by Niger and China.
• The Indian government is actively promoting millet production through its National Food Security Mission.
• Major millet-growing states in India include Rajasthan (27%), Maharashtra (15%), Uttar Pradesh (14%), Karnataka (13%), Madhya Pradesh (8%) and Gujarat (7%).

Exports:

• India is the world’s largest exporter of millet, and in 2022, it was the third largest exporter, behind Ukraine and the United States.
• India exports most of its Millet to United States, United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

Government Initiatives to Promote Shree Anna Millets:

• National Food Security Mission (NFSM) – Nutri Cereals: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is executing a Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals under the NFSM in 28 States & 2 Union Territories.
  • This initiative offers incentives to farmers for diverse activities aimed at boosting the production and productivity of millets.
• Shree Anna Scheme: Announced in 2023, this scheme aims to popularize millets and raise their consumption.
• Eat Right campaign: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is creating awareness to promote the use of millets as part of a healthy diet.
• Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry for Millet-based products (PLISMBP): Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has implemented the PLISMBP during 2022-23 to 2026-27 with an outlay of Rs. 800 crores.
• Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme: It is launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is currently being implemented in 35 States and Union Territories (UTs).
• Poshan Abhiyan: Shree Anna (Millets) are also included under the Poshan Abhiyan of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Export Promotion Forum: This forum aims to facilitate the promotion, marketing, and development of Shree Anna exports from India.

About FAO:

• The FAO is a United Nations agency that works to improve nutrition, food security, and end hunger.
• The FAO was established in Quebec City in 1945, and has 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union.
  • India has been a founding member of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) since 1945.
• The FAO’s work encompasses gender equality and women’s empowerment, addressing global food security challenges, enhancing emergency responses worldwide, and advocating for sustainable land and water management.
• Reports released:
  • The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI): This yearly report provides an overview of the number of people who are undernourished worldwide, and advocates for strategies to combat hunger and malnutrition.
  • State of Food and Agriculture 2023: This report looks into the true cost of food for sustainable agrifood systems, and introduces the concept of hidden environmental, health, and social costs and benefits of agrifood systems.
  • The impact of disasters on agriculture and food security: A biennial report that quantifies the losses that disasters have caused in global agriculture, and outlines strategies to reduce disaster-related risk.

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