The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) concluded the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 with a closing ceremony to reflect on its achievements and chart the way forward. The event, held at FAO headquarters in Rome, saw dignitaries from around the world participate both in-person and virtually.
Representing India, Additional Secretary Maninder Kaur Dwivedi highlighted the country's vibrant millet ecosystem, including startups, industries, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which have played a crucial role in promoting and adopting millets.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu praised the international community's commitment to millet-related initiatives, emphasising the importance of millets in achieving global food security and nutrition.
Minister and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to FAO, Yaya Adisa Olaitan Olaniran, discussed the significance of millets and strategies for integrating millet cultivation into sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.
A captivating video showcased various activities and events organised worldwide under the IYM 2023, highlighting the global impact of the initiative.
Deputy Director-General of FAO, Ms. Beth Bechdol, expressed gratitude to all participants for their dedication to the success of IYM 2023 and stressed the importance of continuing efforts to promote millets beyond the designated year.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets following a proposal by India, supported by over 70 countries. Throughout the year, awareness was raised about the nutritional benefits of millet consumption, its suitability for cultivation in adverse climatic conditions, and the importance of creating sustainable market opportunities.
The closing ceremony served as a platform to assess the accomplishments of IYM 2023 and identify future priorities, particularly addressing constraints and strengthening millet's value chains.
Insightful discussions and presentations highlighted the role of millets in achieving sustainable development goals and their emergence as a 'Global Superfood.' Dr. C Tara Satyavathi from ICAR-IIMR shared India's research and development endeavours to develop a robust millet's value chain.
A special exhibition featuring millet-value added products from around the world and live cooking demonstrations complemented the discussions, showcasing the versatility and culinary potential of millets.
Follow us
