International Year of Millets 2023

“Once-in-a-century pandemic and the arising conflicts around the world has shown that food security is still a concern for the planet. Climate change can also affect food availability. At such a time, a global movement on millets is an important step, as they are easy to grow, climate-friendly and drought-resistant.”

 -PM Narendra Modi

Context:

The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared the International Year of Millets 2023 on the initiative of India, which presided over a powerful group like the G-20.

• The International Year of Millets (2023) will spark a mass movement for a more secure, sustainable, and healthy future.

 

Key Points of International Year of Millets 2023:

• India proposed it with support of the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the launch of the International Year of Millets 2023.
• This proposal has also supported by 72 UN member countries.
• The International Year of Millets will raise awareness of millets' contribution to food security and nutrition, as well as motivate stakeholders to maintain and improve millet production.
• It will draw attention and encourage investment in research and development.
• Many countries around the work for millets to benefit farmers and consumers globally at the market.
• It will also promote the sustainable production of millets, while highlighting their potential to provide new sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers.
• Coarse grains are good for the consumer, the farmer and the climate.

Global Distribution of Millets:

• India, Nigeria and China are the largest producers of millets in the world, distributing for more than 55% of the global production.

Millets Area and Production Region-wise (2019)
Area	Area (Lakh Hectares)	Production (Lakh Tonnes)
Africa	489	423
America	53	192
Asia	162	215
Europe	8	20
Australia and New Zealand	6	12
India	138	173
World	718	863

 

• India is the largest producer and fifth largest exporter of millets in the world.
• India accounting for approximately 20% of global production.

 

In Context of India for International Year of Millets 2023:

• The Government of India has launched an initiative to promote millets, or nutritious cereals, both in India and abroad.
• the Centre plans to facilitate the participation of exporters, farmers and traders in 16 international trade expos and buyer-seller meets.
• India’s Missions abroad will be taken in branding and promotion of Indian coarse cereals.
• The government has started preparing a five-year strategic plan to promote millets and their value-added products in the international market.
• APEDA has also signed an MoU with IIMR for value addition and enhancing farmers' income.
• APEDA launched a variety of coarse grain products for all age groups at affordable prices ranging from Rs 5 to Rs 15 during Aahar Food Fair, Asia's largest B2B international food and hospitality fair.

 

Seven Strong 'Sutras' Of International Year of Millets:

1. Increase in production/productivity.
2. Nutrition & Health Benefits.
3. Processing, Culinary Development.
4. Entrepreneurship/Startup/Group Development.
5. Branding, Publicity, Spreading Awareness.
6. International Reach.
7. Policy Steps for Mainstreaming.

 

Millets in India:

• The major millets grown in India are bajra (60%), jowar (27%), ragi (11%) and small bajra (2%) (As per 4th Advance Estimates 2021-22).
• India recorded a 27 percent increase in the production of coarse cereals in 2021-22.
• Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are the major producers of coarse cereals in India.
• 16 major types of coarse cereals are produced and exported. These include Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Kangni, Cheena, Kodo, Sava/Sawa/Jhangora, Kutki, Kuttu, Chaulai and Brown Top Millet.
• Under National Mission on Food Security (NFMS) program NFMS-POSHAK is being implemented in 212 districts of 14 states.
• In order to increase nutrition among children, the Central Government has requested the State Governments to explore the possibility of introducing coarse cereals under the PM Poshan Yojana, with priority given to those districts where coarse cereals are included in the diet as a culturally accepted habit.
• India's goal is not only to export millets, but also to reach out to the people and care for their health.
• In 2018, the National Year of Millet was observed in order to generate domestic and global demand and provide people with nutritious food.

WHAT IS COARSE GRAIN?   Coarse grains generally come under the category of small grain crops. They are also often called nutritious grains or low water grains. These include jowar, bajra, ragi, kutki, kakun, cheena, sava, kodo and other millets. Millet grows in dry land. It grows in areas with less water. Coarse cereals in India are mainly grown in states with low to moderate rainfall (200–800 mm). Millets form part of the regular diet for small and dryland farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Rich nutrients are available in it and these crops are the main source of livelihood for the farmers. Millets are used for food, fodder, biofuel and alcohol. That's why millets are called smart foods because they are better for consumers, better for farmers and better for the planet.

 

Benefits of Millets:

Health:

• Helps in keeping the heart healthy. Suitable food for people suffering from diabetes. Prevents uncontrolled increase of sugar in the blood.
• They're also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, so they're a great option for people with celiac disease or diabetes.
• Iron is found in abundance, so it is effective in increasing blood in the body.
• Helpful in strengthening the nervous system.
• Controls depression and low blood pressure. It also prevents substances that harm the body.
• Foxtail millet- Contains sufficient amount of calcium, strengthens bones and also helps in prevention of osteoporosis disease.
• Helpful in bone development and removing anaemia in the body.
• Rich in Vitamin E, protects body tissues from injury.
• Protects body cells from damage. Reduces the risk of colon cancer and heart disease.

Economy:

• They are food for millions of resources -constrained farmers and also fodder for their domesticated animals.
• The millet is also known as "coarse grain" or "poor grain.”
• The pandemic has highlighted the need to supplement the income of small and marginal farmers, and millets can be one of the best options for doing so.

Environment:

• Millet is a climate-resilient crop.
• It can be grown with little water.
• Millet crop contribute low carbon emissions.
•  It can be grown in drought conditions.

 

Millets are widely regarded as an ancient grain. It has a longer history than the more modern cereals we consume. Millets were discovered in the Indus Valley Civilization and the Vedas also make mention of coarse grains. Millets have long been a part of Indian agriculture, culture, and civilization. Millet can be found in food and drink in every part of the country. When India declares the International Year of Millets, it becomes the responsibility of the entire country to make it a mass movement. India will emerge as the world's largest exporter, which will be nothing short of a gift to humanity.

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Prelims Previous Year Question (PYQ)   Q. With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016) 1.       This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies, and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with a cluster approach. 2.       Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have a larger stake in this scheme. 3.       An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and micro irrigation equipment. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer (c)

 

Source: PIB