2023 was declared as the International Year of Millets by India’s Union Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman. This was said while the union budget of 2022 was being presented. Initially this initiative  has been started by the UN. 

Millet is basically a small seeded grass that grows like a grain which has been growing mostly in India for about 7000 years. It is one of the most popular foods in Africa and SouthEast Asia. It has been equipped with all the rich and  essential nutrients, fibers, minerals, proteins and other essential elements one needs. The benefit of these crops are that they are less water consuming as well as easily adaptable to all sorts of temperatures. 



Even though there are 150 plus types of millets grown all over the world but some of the most famous and recognised millet crops grown in india are given below 

1. Pearl Millet (Bajra)
2. Finger Millet (Ragi)
3. Buckwheat Millet (Kuttu)
4. Foxtail Millet (Kangni)
5. Amaranth (Ramdana)
6. Barnyard Millet (Sanwa) 
7. Kodo Millet (Kodon)
8. Proso or Common Millet (Barri) 
9. Sorghum:
10. Barnyard Millet
11. Little Millet
12. Browntop Millet

Also you should be aware of the top states that are producing Millets in India which are:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Assam
• Bihar
• Chhattisgarh
• Gujarat
• Haryana
• Himachal Pradesh
• Jharkhand
• Karnataka
• Kerala
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Odisha

How is the world preparing for the 2023 International Year Of Millets?

The world is preparing for 2023 i.e. the International Year of Millets in a very active manner. They are all set and prepared. A team of experts who are going to lead the same have been allotted as the members of the core committee. Members of the committee are professors, chefs, nutritionists and farmers. 

Proper research is being conducted as well as a budget and team of representatives are formed worldwide. The preparation of the same began in 2021 when the planning was over and 2022 was the stage of experimenting and executing the planning strategy of the same. 

Apart from this all the preparations that were required have already been done. All the research work has been completed and proper planning has also been completed. World has properly taken all the appropriate measures to welcome the international year of millets. 70 plus countries along with the UN are going to actively take part in the 2023 International Year of Millets. 

Provisions have been made to update the farmers as well as educate them on the same. Also the aim is to help and support them so that the world is able to accomplish this goal. Also enough funds have been released to help and support the farmers worldwide. 

The idea behind this was that even though millets are so beneficial as well as they are not too expensive so people can afford them easily. According to research more than 500 million people in 50 plus countries depend on their staple food crops. 

The US market dominated the North America Millet Seeds Market in 2020 and is expected to remain dominant until 2027, achieving a market value of $854.5 million by that time. The Canada market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period (2021-2027). Furthermore, the Mexico market is growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during (2021-2027).

How is India preparing for the 2023 International Year Of Millets?

India has also started preparing for 2023 with its strategy planning. It includes awareness of millets across India, distribution among people as well as ensuring that it also reaches out to the poor and needy people.

It has decided to support and encourage the farmers to grow millets by increasing the MSP (Minimum Support Price) of millet crops. Also planned to launch new schemes so that no one in the country stays hungry as well as people can utilize this most valuable and affordable crop to the fullest.

India has also planned to educate people with the help of the health and food industry by providing the people recipes of millet food so that they can incorporate them as a part of their daily meals as well as explain their benefits. Also ensure that food made up of millets is being served in schools, ministries, embassies and other street places. 

Apart from this both the world and India is also conducting seminars, conferences, meetings and many other events just for the purpose of spreading awareness. For knowing more about the 2023 International Year of Millets you can also do advanced research as it is going to give you more information about the same. 

India has also ensured that there is a proper collaboration with the agricultural minister and chief minister of different states. Also collaboration of Indian products with international brands have got a good popularity as well as best feedback due to which the products and brands are reaching heights. 

The major key role for 2023 the International Year of Millets is played by the UN  supported by other nations and countries. This was possible as they understood the importance and benefits as well as agreed to the motive behind the same. 

The Road Ahead

The government has launched a number of initiatives to promote millet cultivation and consumption. The government has established millet missions in states with the assistance of NITI Aayog, with the goal of integrating them with the National Food Security Mission and the Public Distribution System.

The government has also elevated Special Agribusiness Zones for millets, with the goal of increasing millet cultivation in certain areas. Sorghum is popular in Telangana, while pearl millet (bajra) is popular in Gujarat, finger millet (ragi) is popular in Karnataka, and small millets are popular in Madhya Pradesh. Agribusiness zones can be developed around farm gates and warehouse units, and primary food processing units can be established to add value.

Millet farmers can form Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and contract farming can be implemented. The government in aspirational district Malkangiri launched Millet Shakti food stalls as part of the Odisha Millets Mission. This gave women entrepreneurs and self-help groups (SHGs) a platform to showcase a variety of millet-based food items, provided healthy alternatives to consumers, and helped millets gain popularity.

The production, delivery, and ability to adapt millets to consumers remain challenges. There is a need to emphasize supply side factors such as increased use of high yielding varieties, MSP support, and other farmer incentives. This can help them increase their income, especially in rainy areas. The government recently decided to expand the production-linked incentive scheme (PLI) for the food-processing industry, with the goal of making India a world leader in food manufacturing.

Marketing and branding millet-based products such as idli / dosa batters, baked snacks, cookies, millet baby foods, and ready-to-cook meals will increase millet demand. Millets can become staples in our diets while increasing export value through greater diversification and value addition. The inclusion of millets in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), Mid-day meals, will ensure the millet revolution's success while also providing micronutrients.

Furthermore, numerous women-led self-help organizations and cooperative societies can be encouraged to produce and market millet-based processed foods. This can boost female entrepreneurship and rural employment. Millets have the potential to promote inclusive development, improve food security, and ensure long-term development. With higher importance furthermore, a diverse food basket with balanced and healthy diets can be aimed.

Millets Are Becoming Increasingly Popular.

Vegan diets and gluten-free meals became popular, sparking renewed interest in millets. Because of their high nutritional value, they are a popular food choice between many health-conscious people. In terms of protein, minerals, and vitamins, millets are 5 times more nutrient dense than rice and wheat.

They have a high calcium, iron, vitamin B, magnesium, potassium, and zinc content. It is also gluten-free and has a low glycemic index, which aids in the reduction of cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They are also ideal for individuals who are gluten intolerant. Millets can be used to achieve a variety of goals, including fodder, brewing, and as a biofuel.

Environmentally Friendly.

Millets are also highly resistant to climate change. They are resistant to extreme weather and temperatures, are drought tolerant, and can be grown with minimal chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. It uses 2.5 times as much water as rice. Its robust root systems serve as natural soil conditioners.

India is the world's leading millet producer. Nevertheless, the proportion of area under nutri-cereals has decreased from 15% in 2007-08 to 12% in 2019-20. However, productivity gains have resulted in a 45 million tonne increase in millet production. Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra produce more than 90% of these cereals.

Despite millets' higher productivity, India has been unable to enter the export market in comparison to other cereals such as rice and wheat due to quality concerns and safety standards. Amidst this, millet exports are expected to increase to around 26.97 million in 2020-21. Farmers must be educated on millet quality at all stages of production and harvesting. With sufficient quality and safety policies in place, India can try exploring trade opportunities and carve out a niche in the international market.