United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session which was held in March 2021 declared 2023 is “International Year of Millets” (IYM 2023). This will be an opportunity to raise awareness and direct policy attention to the nutritional and health benefits of millets. Therefore it is an ideal solution for countries to increase self- sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported cereal grains.
International Year of Millets – IYM 2023
IYM2023 will promote the sustainable production of millets while highlighting their potential to provide new market opportunities for producers and consumers. Millets can grow on arid lands with minimal inputs and are resilience to climate change.
Unleashing the potential of millets for the well-being of people and the environment, UN dedicates 2023 to greater efforts in producing Millets given their nutritional properties.
PM attend Millet-Only Lunch
Prahlad Singh Patel, Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, has inaugurated the national conference on Millets. The conference was organized by industry body ASSOCHAM along with Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The theme of the conference is “The Future Super Food for India”
To promote the eating culture of Millets, special lunch was hosted by Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to all Members of Parliament on Dec 20,2022 to mark the Year of Millet (YOM). The special Millet-only lunch includes dishes like Ragi idli and Ragi dosa, Jowar and Bajra Khichdi, Bajra Kheer. Even rotis were made out of Ragi and Jowar.
After the Special lunch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared few photos in his twitter
As we prepare to mark 2023 as the International Year of Millets, attended a sumptuous lunch in Parliament where millet dishes were served. Good to see participation from across party lines. pic.twitter.com/PjU1mQh0F3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 20, 2022
To increase the production and consumption of Millets, lets millets be a part of our daily meal. Also let the world know about the health benefits of millet, a rich source of nutrients. Here, listing some of the health benefits of Millets
- Helps to prevent Coronary Heart disease
- Reduces risk of Colon Cancer
- Helps in preventing Celiac Disease
- Good source of Anti-Oxidants
- Aids in Sleep
- Helps in Weight Loss
- Controls Diabetes
- Helps in relieving Menstrual Cramps
- Helps in Slowing down Muscle Degradation
Millets provide an alternative food system in times of increasing demand for vegetarian foods. These millets contribute Balanced Diet as well as safe environment. So, considering the health benefits and its importance to the people, millets are the Gifts of Nature to Mankind.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has taken several initiatives to promote domestic and international millets. MyGov platform also organized series of pre-launch programs for the International Year of Millets to create awareness and sense of public participation through contests on this ancient nutritious Millet.