The Government of India has taken a significant step towards promoting healthy eating habits and environmentally friendly agriculture by offering millet-based dishes at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. The 'Millet Canteen' was launched on March 1, 2023, to promote millet products globally, as the Government has declared 2023 as the 'International Year Millets.'
Millets are a group of highly nutritious grains that have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are renowned for their high protein, fibre, essential vitamins, and minerals, and are considered a nutritional powerhouse. Moreover, millets require less water and input, making them an environmentally friendly crop. The promotion of millets can also boost the livelihoods of farmers and help the country move towards a more sustainable future.
The 'International Year of Millets' aims to promote Indian millets, recipes, and value-added products worldwide. It offers an opportunity to boost global production, ensure efficient processing and consumption, promote better utilization of crop rotations, and encourage better connectivity throughout food systems, highlighting millets as a key component of the food basket.
According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech, India is the largest producer and second-largest exporter of 'Shree Anna' in the world, with a share of over 15% of the world's total production. Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are the major millet-producing states. The country has a strong potential to increase its millet production to meet the growing demand for healthy food choices.
In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing interest in millets and entrepreneurs tapping into its potential in India in his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. A sizable portion of the programme was dedicated to the benefits of millets and how they can promote better health and a greener environment. PM Modi stressed the importance of making millets a part of daily diets and called it the "new revolution" in the food industry.
The promotion of millets in India and globally can bring significant health and environmental benefits. By offering millet-based dishes in AIIMS, the Government of India is taking a significant step towards promoting healthy eating habits and environmentally friendly agriculture.
It is an excellent opportunity for people to experience the taste and nutritional value of millets and understand their role in building a healthier and sustainable future.
