‘Symbol Of India’s Increasing Responsibility’: PM Modi Inaugurates Global Millets Conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday released the postal stamp and unveiled the official coin of the International Year of Millets 2023 as he inaugurated the two-day Global Millets Conference in the national capital.

He said, “I am proud that India is leading the ‘International Year of Millets’. Events like Global Millets Conference are not only necessary for Global Good but also a symbol of India’s increasing responsibility for Global Good.”

“It is a matter of great honour for us that after India’s proposal and efforts, the United Nations declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’. More than 75 lakhs farmers of India are virtually present with us in this ceremony today, which shows its importance,” he added.

Elaborating on benefits to small farmers, he said, “2.5 crore small farmers are directly related to millet. Our mission for Shree Anna is going to be a blessing for these small farmers. Shree Anna market will benefit them and the associated ecosystem. This will also strengthen the rural economy.”

“Millets have also been selected for the One District One Product Scheme in 19 districts of the country. India is currently presiding over G20. Its motto ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ is also reflected in the International Year of Millets. Millets are also creating new jobs,” he added as he addressed the gathering at the inauguration.

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said, “As a result of the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations on the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the domestic and global demand for ‘Shree Anna’ has increased.”

Ethiopia President Sahle-Work Zewde said, “As declared by United Nations General Assembly observing International year of Millets 2023, the push towards collective efforts to increase millet production will contribute to 2030 agenda for sustainable development.”

The global conference is expected to witness participation from over 100 countries, and several stakeholders will attend the event virtually from across the globe.

It was on March 5, 2021, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM), accepting India’s proposal. Through this declaration, the UNGA aims to elevate awareness of nutri-cereals (millets) for food security and nutrition, enhance investment in R&D and extension, and inspire stakeholders towards improving production, productivity and quality of millets.

India aims to make IYM 2023 a people’s movement for the overall benefit of the cultivator, consumer and climate.

To take the momentum forward, India has taken a multi-stakeholder engagement approach by involving farmers, startups, exporters, retail businesses, hotel associations and various arms of the government in India and abroad to achieve the objectives of IYM 2023 and positioning India as the ‘Global Hub of Millets’.

The year 2023 will witness a year-long campaign and several activities nationally and globally for increased adoption and promotion of millets.

The two-day conference will witness participation from dignitaries such as Dr Jaquelene Hughes, Director General, ICRISAT; Jong-Jin Kim, Assistant Director General & Regional Representative for Asia and Pacific, FAO; Kapil Dev, Cricketer; Geeta Phogat, Wrestler, Commonwealth Gold Medallist; Chef Thomas Gugler, President, World Association of Chefs, etc., alongside an esteemed audience of Padma Awardee farmers.

An Exhibition-cum- Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) with a focus on millets will also be held with the participation of more than 50 domestic and international buyers, importers, exporters and processors for the promotion of millets.

The exhibition of more than 100 stalls will showcase millets and millet-based ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products by millet-based startups, exporters and live cooking sessions by various international and national chefs.

The two-day conference will also witness wider participation from Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)/ Farmers Self-Help Groups, schools, Agri-Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Gram Panchayats, Common Service Centres (CSC), Cooperative Institutions, Hotel Management Schools, Indian Embassies and Diaspora, etc.