Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the two-day Global Millets Conference in New Delhi today. The conference will see the participation of over a thousand global experts, scholars, scientists and farmers, who will discuss the importance of millets and ways to promote their consumption as a way of achieving sustainable agricultural development. India has championed the cause of promoting millets as a healthy and nutritious food crop, and has been at the forefront of advocating for their cultivation in various countries.
The conference is being jointly organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). It aims to highlight the various benefits of millets such as their low water requirements, high adaptability, and resilience to climate change. Millets are also known for their potential to contribute to food security, poverty reduction, and economic growth.
The conference will include panel discussions, talks and presentations on topics such as ‘millets and climate resilience: challenges and opportunities’, ‘millets and nutrition’, ‘millets sector development for farmer’s prosperity’, and ‘research and development in millets’. The conference will also provide a platform for farmers to showcase their products and interact with industry experts and government officials.
Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that have been traditionally grown in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, including Africa and Asia. They are highly nutritious and rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. They are also gluten-free, making them ideal for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Despite their numerous health benefits, millets have been sidelined in the past in favour of other crops, leading to a decline in their cultivation and consumption.
India has been spearheading efforts to promote millets as a way of addressing food and nutrition security while also ensuring sustainable and ecologically sound agricultural practices. In fact, the UN General Assembly declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’, recognising their potential for promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. India, as one of the largest producers of millets in the world, is also working to position itself as a major exporter of these crops in the coming years.
The Global Millets Conference is part of India’s efforts to bring together experts and stakeholders from around the world to share best practices and explore new opportunities for promoting millets as a way of achieving sustainable agricultural development. The conference is expected to lead to the development of a roadmap for promoting millets on a larger scale, as well as the identification of key challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Overall, the Global Millets Conference is a testament to India’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and nutrition security, while also providing a platform for global collaboration and knowledge-sharing on this important topic. With millets gaining increasing recognition as a nutritious and sustainable crop, there is tremendous potential for this sector to grow and contribute to a more sustainable food system for all.
