Today, the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference has been inaugurated by PM Modi at Subramaniam Hall, NASC Complex, IARI Campus, PUSA New Delhi. It is a 2 day conference and there will be sessions on all important issues related to millets like promotion and awareness of millets among producers, consumers and other stakeholders; millets’ value chain development; health and nutritional aspects of millets; market linkages; research and development etc.
Other Exhibitions inaugurated by PM Modi
- PM Modi has also inaugurated and visited the Exhibition cum Buyer Seller Meet Pavilion.
- He also unveiled a Commemorative Stamp and Commemorative Coin.
- Followed by the Prime Minister digitally launching a compendium of Indian Millet (Shri Anna) startups and a book of millet (Shri Anna) standards.
H.E. Sahle Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia has said
“Millets provide an affordable and nutritious option to feed the people in these times. Ethiopia is an important millet-producing country in Sub-Saharan Africa. She underlined the utility of the event for highlighting the policy attention needed for the propagation of millets and studying the suitability of the crops as per their ecosystem.”
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana said that
“India has assumed global leadership in promoting the cause of millets and in doing so it is placing its expertise for the use of the rest of the world.”
“The success of the International Year of Millets will go a long way in achieving SDGs. Guyana has recognized millets as a key factor in ensuring food security.”.
“Guyana is embarking on a collaboration with India for scalable production of millet by earmarking 200 acres of land for exclusive millet production where India will provide technical guidance and support with technology.”
PM Modi congratulated everyone on the occasion and said that
Millets
- Such events are not just a necessity for the global good but also a symbol of India’s responsibilities towards the global good.
- He highlighted the importance of turning a resolution into a desirable outcome and reiterated that the year 2023 was declared the International Year of Millets by the United Nations after persistent efforts by India.
- He also expressed his delight that India’s campaign is a significant step in this direction when the world is celebrating the International Year of Millets.
- He highlighted that brainstorming sessions will be held on topics such as the farming of millets, millets economy, health benefits, and farmers’ income among others with the active participation of Gram Panchayat, Krishi Kendras, schools, colleges and agricultural universities along with the Indian embassies and several foreign countries.
- He also said that more than 75 lakh farmers are virtually connected to this programme today.
- He also highlighted the unveiling of a commemorative coin and a postage stamp to mark the occasion along with the book launch on millet standards and the declaration of the Indian Institute of Millets Research of ICAR as a Global Centre of Excellence.
- He also informed that millets were declared nutri-cereals in 2018 where work was carried out on all levels from making the farmers aware of its benefits to generating interest in the market.
- He also said millets are primarily cultivated in 12-13 different states in the country where at-home consumption per month per person was not more than 3 kilograms whereas the consumption has increased to 14 kilograms per month today.
- He also informed that the sale of millet food products has also seen a boost of roughly 30%. He also noted the inception of millet cafes apart from social media channels dedicated to recipes on millets.
- P M Modi has informed that more than 500 startups working on Shree Anna have come up and a large number of FPOs are also coming forward in the last few years.
- He also said that a complete supply chain is being developed in the country where women from self-help groups in small villages are making millet products that are making their way into malls and supermarkets.
“Shree Anna is becoming a medium of holistic development in India. It is linked with Gaon as well as Garib (Village and the poor)”. Shree Anna- a door to prosperity for the small farmers of the country, Shree Anna – the cornerstone of nutrition for crores of countrymen, Shree Anna – felicitation of Adivasi Community, Shree Anna- getting more crops for less water, Shree Anna – a big foundation for chemical-free farming., Shree Anna – a huge help in fighting climate change.”
“Millets have also been selected in 19 districts of the country under the ‘One District, One Product’ scheme.”
“India’s Millet Mission – The campaign for Shri Anna will prove to be a boon for 2.5 crore farmers of the country.”
“India has always given priority towards the feeling of duty towards the world and the resolve to serve humanity.”
Yoga
- India has ensured that the benefits of Yoga reach the whole world through International Yoga Day.
- He said that today yoga is being promoted in more than 100 countries of the world and more than 30 countries in the world have given recognition to Ayurveda as well.
Solar Alliance
- PM Modi has also talked about the International Solar Alliance and said that it is working as an effective platform for building a sustainable planet where more than 100 countries have joined the movement.
“Be it leading the LiFE mission or achieving climate change goals ahead of schedule, India draws inspiration from its heritage, drives change in society, and brings it to the forefront of global well-being.”
PM Modi’s Request to the Agriculture Ministers of the friendly nations
- To develop a stable mechanism in this direction.
- He said that a new supply chain should be developed with shared responsibilities from field to market and from one country to another.
Food Security Challenges
- He addressed the challenge of food security for the poor in the Global South and diseases linked to food habits in the Global North.
- He also suggested solutions for this and said- Shree Anna provides solutions to every such problem as it is easy to grow, its cost is also less in this, and it gets ready for cultivation faster than other crops.
- He further listed the benefits and said that it is rich in nutrition, special in taste, high in fibre content, very beneficial for the body and health, and helps in preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
Conclusion of PM Modi’s speech
- He expressed confidence that all these issues will be discussed in detail and a roadmap will also be prepared for implementation.
“With the joint efforts of the farmers and all stakeholders, food will add a new shine to the prosperity of India and the world.”
Background
- The year 2023 was declared as the International Year of Millets (IYM) by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
- P M Modi’s vision to make the celebrations of IYM 2023 a ‘people’s movement’ and position India as the ‘global hub for millets’, all central government ministries/departments, states/UTs, farmers, start-ups, exporters, retail businesses and other stakeholders are being engaged to promote and spread awareness about the benefits of millets (Shree Anna) for the cultivator, consumer and climate.
- The organisation of the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference in India is an important programme in this context.
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