Birgunj (Nepal) March 18, 2023. As part of the celebrations of International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023, the Consulate General of India, Birgunj (Nepal) telecast a live screening of inaugural session for the Global Millets (श्री अन्न) Conference organized by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Government of India on March 18, 2023 inside the Consulate premises.
Shri Tarun Kumar, Consul (Pol, Edu & Projects) & HOC welcomed the distinguished guests including members of Indian diaspora, prominent members of civil society and journalists. He briefed about the benefits of Millets in our day-to-day life. Around 50 personalities attended the event. The program was organized with a view of promoting use of Millets in daily life, to celebrate International Year of Millets 2023 and to nurture the spirit of One Earth, One family, One Future.
During the conference, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Buyer-Seller-Meet Pavilion and also unveiled a stamp and a coin of IRs 75 on IYM 2023. He also digitally launched compendium of Indian millet (श्री अन्न) Start Ups, Book on Millet (श्री अन्न) standards, Milletology- Book on International recipes of millets (श्री अन्न). A short film on Shree Anna (श्री अन्न) and IYM 2023 was also screened during the conference. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the gathering.
Immediately after the conclusion of the formal program, the Consulate served millet-based food items ( Kheer of Barnyard & Upma of Kodo) to distinguished guests. Health benefits and nutritional value of the millets were also displayed for promotional purposes.
With the aim to create awareness and increase production & consumption of millets, the United Nations General Assembly, at the behest of the Government of India, at its 75th session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets. India is the largest producer of millets in the world. India’s two varieties of millets namely Pearl Millet (Bajra) and Sorghum (Jowar) together contribute approx 19 per cent in world production. India is among the top 5 exporters of millets in world.
There are many types of millets such as Major Millets – Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi); Minor Millets – Foxtail millet (Kangni), Kodo millets (Koden), Barnyard millet (Sanwa), Little millet (Kutki/Shavan), Proso millet (Barri), Browntop Millet.
Millet is a good source of protein, fiber, key vitamins, and minerals. They are also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them ideal for people with celiac disease or diabetes. The potential health benefits of millet include protecting cardiovascular health, preventing the onset of diabetes, helping people achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and managing inflammation in the gut. Millet is an adaptable grain.
