The Prime Minister inaugurated the first Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference at Subramaniam Hall, NASC Complex, IARI Campus, PUSA New Delhi on March 18, 2023.
- He also unveiled a Commemorative Stamp and Commemorative Coin.
- This was followed by the Prime Minister digitally launching a compendium of Indian Millet (Shri Anna) startups and a book of millet (Shri Anna) standards.
Key points
- The year 2023 was declared the International Year of Millets by the United Nations after persistent efforts by India.
- PM Modi also declared Hyderabad based ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research as a Global Centre for Excellence.
- India is the largest producer and second largest exporter of millets in the world.
- In order to promote millets and meet the additional demand of millets, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is implementing a Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals (Millets) under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in 212 Districts of 14 States since 2018-19.
- In millets, a lot of diversity is found like Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Sawan, Kangni, Cheena, Kodo, Kutki & Kuttu.
- Shree Anna are a rich source of protein, fibre & minerals like iron, calcium and have a low glycemic index.
- Many people even call it a Superfood.
- Major Millets crops grown in India and their percentage share of production are Pearl Millet (Bajra) – 61% share, Jowar (Sorghum) – 27%, and Finger Millet (Mandua/Ragi) – 10%.
- The National Year of Millets was celebrated in 2018.
- In view of the nutritional value of the millets, the Government also notified Millets as nutri-cereals in April, 2018.
- Millets were included under the POSHAN Mission Abhiyan.
