Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Global Millets (Shri Anna) Conference’ in New Delhi today. He also released a postage stamp and a coin on the International Year of Millets (IYM)-2023 on the occasion. During this, he said, ‘I am proud that India is leading the ‘International Millet Year’. Events like Global Millets Conference are not only necessary for Global Good but also a symbol of India’s growing responsibility for Global Goods.
The Prime Minister said, being climate resilient is the strength of millets. Millets are easily produced even under very adverse climatic conditions. It also requires relatively less water to produce, making it a preferred crop for water-stressed areas.
PM Modi further praised Shri Anna Yojana. Said, ‘Shri Anna’ is also becoming a medium of overall development in India, in this the village is also connected and the poor are also connected. Shree Anna means the door to the prosperity of the small farmers of the country. Shri Anna means the leader of the nutrition of crores of people of the country. Mr. Anna means the tribal society of the country is felicitated. Mr. Anna means more crop yield in less water. Shree Anna means chemical free farming is a big base. Shree Anna is helpful in dealing with the challenges of climate change.
He said, ‘Shri Anna’ is not limited to farming or eating only, those who are familiar with the traditions of India, they also know that ‘Shri’ does not get attached to anyone in our country just like that. Where there is ‘Shri’, there is prosperity and there is totality.
PM Modi also talked about new startups coming in this field. Said, the kind of new startups our young friends have come up with in this field is also impressive in itself. All this shows the commitment of India.
What is its purpose?
The Government of India aims to make the International Year of Millets 2023 a mass movement for the overall benefit of farmers, consumers and the climate. To take this forward, the Government of India has adopted a multi-stakeholder collaborative approach to achieve the goals of IYM 2023 and establish India as the ‘Global Hub of Millets’. It includes farmers, start-ups, exporters, retail businesses, hotel associations and various government bodies in India and abroad. The year 2023 will witness a year-long campaign and several activities at the national and international level for the adoption and promotion of millets.
India’s proposal was approved by 72 countries
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on March 5, 2021 declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets. The resolution presented by the Government of India was supported by 72 countries. Through this announcement, UNGA aims to raise awareness about Nutricereals (Shree Anna) for food security and nutrition, increase investment in R&D and extension and motivate stakeholders to improve the productivity and quality of Shree Anna Is.
