Embracing the Future: How the International Year of 2023 Will Shape Our World
What are millets and their significance
Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that have been cultivated for thousands of years in various parts of the world, especially in India, Africa, and Asia. They are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, which makes them a healthier alternative to rice and wheat for people with diabetes or gluten intolerance.
Millets are highly resilient crops that can grow in harsh conditions, including droughts, high temperatures, and poor soil quality. This makes them an important crop for small farmers who live in areas with low rainfall or other environmental challenges.
In addition to their nutritional and agricultural significance, millets also have cultural and religious significance in many parts of the world. For example, in India, millets are an integral part of the traditional diet and are used in various dishes, including porridge, flatbreads, and snacks. Used for rituals and ceremonies.
Overall, millets are a versatile, nutritious, and sustainable crop that has played an important role in human history and continues to be an important food source for millions of people around the world.
The benefits of millets for health and environment
Nutritional benefits: Millets are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are gluten-free, high in protein, fiber, and low in glycemic index, making them an excellent choice for people with diabetes, celiac disease, and weight management.
Environmental benefits: Millets are highly adaptable crops that can grow in poor soil, with minimal water requirements, and without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This makes them a sustainable crop that can improve soil health, reduce water usage, and prevent soil erosion.
Climate benefits: Millets are a climate-smart crop that has a lower carbon footprint compared to other staple crops such as rice and wheat. They require less water, fewer inputs, and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, making them an important crop for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Economic benefits: Millets are an important crop for small farmers and rural communities, particularly in developing countries. They are often grown in rain-fed areas, which are more vulnerable to climate change impacts, providing a reliable source of income and food security.
Overall, millets offer a range of benefits for both health and the environment, making them an excellent choice for sustainable food systems.
How India is promoting millet cultivation and consumption
India is promoting millet cultivation and consumption in various ways, recognizing its nutritional and environmental benefits.
Promotion of Millet Cultivation: The Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote millet cultivation in the country. Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), the government is providing financial assistance to farmers for the cultivation of millets. The government is also providing subsidies for the purchase of millet seeds, equipment, and machinery.
Millet-based Farming System: The government has also launched a program called the Millet-based Farming System (MBFS), which aims to promote sustainable and diversified farming systems that include millet cultivation. This program focuses on promoting millet cultivation among small and marginal farmers, women farmers, and tribal communities.
Millet Processing Units: The government has also set up millet processing units in various parts of the country to encourage the processing of millets into value-added products such as flakes, flour, and snacks. This has created new opportunities for millet farmers and entrepreneurs.
Millet Promotion Campaigns: To create awareness about the nutritional benefits of millets, the government has launched various campaigns. One such campaign is the “Go-Millet” campaign, which aims to promote millet consumption among the general public.
Millet-based Food Programs: The government is also promoting the inclusion of millets in various food programs. For instance, the mid-day meal program for school children includes millet-based recipes. The government is also promoting the use of millets in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Research and Development: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other research organizations are conducting research on millet cultivation, processing, and utilization. This research is helping to develop new varieties of millets, improve production techniques, and create new markets for millet-based products.
Global efforts to recognize millets as a superfood
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of millets as a superfood due to their nutritional benefits, sustainability, and potential to address issues related to food security and climate change. Here are some global efforts to recognize millets as a superfood:
International Year of Millets: In 2018, the United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, recognizing their importance in addressing food security, nutrition, and climate change.
Global Millets Summit: The Global Millets Summit is an annual event that brings together experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss and promote millet cultivation and consumption globally.
Millet Festivals: Millet festivals are being organized in various parts of the world to create awareness about the nutritional benefits of millets and promote their consumption.
Millet-based Product Development: The food industry is developing various millet-based products such as breakfast cereals, snacks, and gluten-free flours. This is creating new markets for millets and increasing their consumption globally.
Research and Development: Research institutions are conducting research on millets to develop new varieties, improve production techniques, and create value-added products. This research is helping to increase the production and consumption of millets globally.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments and non-governmental organizations are conducting public awareness campaigns to promote millets as a superfood and increase their consumption.
The role of the UN In declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets
The United Nations (UN) played a key role in declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets. The decision was taken by the 160th session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Council, which is a subsidiary body of the UN. The FAO Council consists of representatives from 49 member countries and meets annually to discuss and approve the organization’s policies and programs.
The proposal to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets was presented by India, which has been promoting millet cultivation and consumption domestically and internationally. India’s proposal was supported by several other countries, including Bhutan, Senegal, and Nigeria.
After a series of consultations and negotiations, the FAO Council approved the proposal and recommended it to the UN General Assembly for endorsement. In December 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
The declaration of the International Year of Millets by the UN is significant as it highlights the importance of millets in addressing global challenges such as food security, nutrition, and climate change. It also provides an opportunity for governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to come together to promote millet cultivation and consumption globally.
Expected impact on farmers
The declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets is expected to have a positive impact on farmers who cultivate millets. Here are some of the ways in which farmers are likely to benefit:
Increased demand for millets: The global recognition of millets as a superfood is likely to increase the demand for millet-based products, leading to higher prices for millets. This is expected to benefit farmers who grow millets as they can sell their produce at better prices.
Diversification of crops: Millets are known for their resilience to climate change and their ability to grow in arid and semi-arid regions. By promoting millet cultivation, farmers can diversify their crop production and reduce their dependence on water-intensive crops.
Improved market access: The International Year of Millets is expected to create new markets for millet-based products, leading to improved market access for farmers. This can help farmers to increase their income and improve their livelihoods.
Knowledge sharing: The International Year of Millets provides an opportunity for farmers to learn about best practices in millet cultivation and production. This can help farmers to improve their yields and reduce post-harvest losses.
Policy support: The declaration of the International Year of Millets can lead to policy support for millet cultivation and production. Governments may introduce policies and programs to promote millet cultivation, provide subsidies and incentives to farmers, and improve the value chain for millet-based products.
Why 2023 as the International Year of Millets matters
In conclusion, the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets is a significant step towards recognizing the importance of millets. It is for addressing the global challenges such as food security, nutrition, and climate change. Millets are not only a superfood, but they are also sustainable, resilient to climate change, and have the potential to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. By promoting millet cultivation and consumption, we can create a more sustainable food system, improve nutrition outcomes, and support smallholder farmers who play a crucial role in feeding the world. Therefore, it is crucial that we come together to raise awareness about millets and their benefits, and work towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable food system for all.
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