Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stated in his address that the International Year of Millets (IYM) - 2023 will provide an opportunity to increase global production, efficient processing, and better crop rotation, as well as promote millets as a major component of the food basket.
He stated that the United Nations has declared 2023 to be the International Year of Millets on the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He went on to say that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is on a mission to boost millet production and consumption in collaboration with other central ministries, all state governments, and other stakeholders.
Millets, according to Tomar, provide an alternative food system in times of increasing demand for vegetarian foods because they contribute to a balanced diet as well as a safe environment, and they are nature's gifts to mankind.
He stated that Asia and Africa are the major production and consumption centres of millet crops, with India, Niger, Sudan, and Nigeria being the major producers, and it is his sincere desire to see millets take pride of place on every eating plate around the world.
Millets were the first crops to be cultivated in Asia and Africa, and they later spread throughout the world as an important food source for advanced civilizations.
Earlier, Tomar expressed his delight at meeting Guyana's President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, at the start of the New Year 2023, and wished and prayed for the well-being of the people of Guyana.
Tomar also thanked Dr. Ali for being the Chief Guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, which was held in Indore on January 8-10, 2023, and congratulated the President on receiving the prestigious Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award.
