The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, with 72 countries supporting India's proposal at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative. To mark the occasion, the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, in collaboration with the Agriculture and allied departments, hosted a two-day Millets Conclave. During the conclave, farmers, FPOs, entrepreneurs, Agri-Startups, investors, exporters, agricultural scientists, NABARD and lead banks, and agricultural development departments discussed issues related to nutritious cereal production and value addition.
On this occasion, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several awards, including three first prizes of one crore rupees each as an incentive to Agri Startups participating in the Millets Innovation Challenge, while Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, stated that the time has come to give Millets a respectable place on the plate of food not only in India but globally. "We need to educate the world about the importance of nutritious grains," he said.
Sitharaman stated that the significance of the two-day Conclave deliberations on the Millets would be revealed soon. Promotion of millets will not only meet food requirements, but will also provide an economic benefit. Sitharaman stated that the significance of the two-day Conclave deliberations on the Millets would be revealed soon. Millets promotion will not only meet food requirements, but will also allow new startups to bring their products to the world. This will increase employment opportunities, particularly for women, who can work from millet production to processing.
Today, India is the world's leading producer of millets, with Karnataka playing a significant role. Farmers benefit from millet production. It requires very little water and can be produced even on rocky terrain. The Finance Minister awarded Agri Startups one crore rupees each under the Millet Innovation Challenge for their unique contribution. In addition, 15 Agri Startups will receive Rs.20 lakh each, and 15 other Agri Startups will receive Rs.10 lakh each. She also announced a Rs 25 crore NABARD grant to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur for millet research.
Union Agriculture Minister Tomar stated that many schemes have been created under the Prime Minister's leadership, the benefits of which are being distributed to farmers across the country. When the Prime Minister announces a scheme, the Finance Minister works tirelessly to see it through. She always strives for improvement in every sector of agriculture, including agricultural education and research, as well as increasing farmers' income, in her budget.
Prime Minister Modi wants farmers' cultivation costs to be reduced, that they have adequate technology support, and that they can take advantage of schemes such as micro irrigation. Farmers are also benefiting greatly from the PM's increase in MSP to one-and-a-half times the cost. 10,000 new FPOs are being established with a budget of Rs 6,865 crore in order to increase the power of small farmers. These will allow small farmers to band together and become a powerful force, allowing them to transition to more expensive crops and integrated farming. In addition, steps have been taken in this direction so that farmers can easily obtain loans through FPOs and process their produce.
Tomar praised Agri Startups for doing an excellent job of increasing millet processing. Now is the time to give Millet a proper place on the world's food plate, not just in India. The entire world should recognise the value of millets and work to increase their production-productivity, as well as create many products from them that can be exported. Preparations are underway for India to lead the celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets. He praised the Prime Minister's vision in this regard, saying that just as Modi established Yoga Day around the world after becoming Prime Minister, he knows how to promote Millets around the world.
Chief Minister Bommai praised Raichur University's contribution to agriculture promotion, saying that the benefits of agricultural scientists' research should reach the fields. He urged the government to publish the conclave's findings in the form of a report as soon as possible. He discussed the state's millets cultivation area and assured that all possible steps would be taken to promote it further.
