Millets Year

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets to
help elevate the contribution of millets to nutrition, food security, sustainable food production
and encourage investment in research and development of millets [1].
The IYOM aims to increase global food production, encourage food system connectivity and
increase millet production mainly in regions with poor soil quality and areas affected by
climate change [1].
IYM 2023 is an opportunity to highlight the benefits of millets for Better production, Better
Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life. They can become a key crop within global
food systems, with the potential to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, nutrition
and the environment. [2]
One of the most important goal of IYOM 2023 is to raise awareness about the health benefits
of millets, their suitability for cultivation under adverse climate conditions and contribute to
achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [2].
Sustainable Development Goals
1. The sustainable cultivation of millets can support climate-resilient agriculture SDG 13

(Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)- Including and/or expanding the
production of millets in national agricultural systems can support the transformation
to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better
production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.
2. The sustainable production of millets can fight hunger and contribute to food security
and nutrition SDG 2 (End Hunger)- Millets can help to overcome food scarcity in
difficult periods, therefore contributing to the food security and nutrition of vulnerable
populations. By providing land cover in arid areas, they reduce further soil
degradation and help support biodiversity and sustainable land restoration.
3. Millets can be an important part of a healthy diet SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-
Being)- Millets are good sources of minerals, dietary fibre, antioxidants and protein.
With a low glycaemic index, they are a good option for people with high-blood sugar.
Millets are also gluten-free and an excellent and cost-effective source of iron for iron-
deficient diets.
4. Greater consumption of millets can offer opportunities to smallholder farmers to

improve their livelihoods SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)- By
promoting millets and regaining market opportunities, additional sources of revenue
can be created for smallholders and in the food sector, boosting economic growth.
5. Proper handling of millets is key to maintaining their high quality and nutritional
benefits SDG 2 (End Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)
6. Greater trade in millets can improve the diversity of the global food system SDG 8
(Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and
Production)- With the need to improve the resilience of global trade and its ability to
respond to sudden changes in the foodgrain market, millets are a valuable option to
increase output diversity and mitigate risks related to production shocks.
Take Action
Government and policy makers – they must come up with schemes that focus on production
and cultivation of innovative methods of millet harvest and to fight hunger, build resilience to
climate change and increase diet diversity. Millets should become a part of menus in public
places such as schools and hospitals..
The private sector should invest in the sustainable production of millets by facilitating access
to credit or other financial support, millet-specific training, farming equipment and new
technologies that improve the handling of millets and thus their quality.
Food industry should disseminate information about the nutritional benefits of millets and
create a demand for it in our routine diets.
Influencers and chefs should use millets in their recipes and menus and advocate for their
consumption, while educating the public on new and appealing ways to prepare them in line
with food-based dietary guidelines.
Children should be encouraged to learn more about millets, their history and benefits from a
young age and have the opportunity to taste millets on school menus.
Farmers and family farmers should be educated about the benefits of millets, new age
technologies and methodologies for cultivating, harvesting and post harvesting millets.Non-
governmental organizations (NGOs), cooperatives and civil society working directly with
farmers need to share best practices for cultivating millets and provide farmers with practical
support, training and ways to better connect to the market. Civil society and NGOs should
form networks and action groups to promote the availability, accessibility and affordability of
millets.
Researchers and academic institutions should dedicate resources to researching millets, their
nutritional values, properties and characteristics, as well as appropriate mechanization and
other methodologies that can make millet cultivation more sustainable. [2]
India is the world’s largest producer of millets however analysis of data indicates a steady
decline in area of millets other than finger millet. After ‘Green Revolution’ these climate
smart crops were replaced by water intensive paddy. There is a growing interest in reviving
millets in the country owing to their ability to survive in changing climatic conditions while
providing high nutrition and better health. The millets have been reported to be special crops
because of their ability to cure and manage prevalent lifestyle diseases like diabetes,
hypertension, hyperthyroidism, cancer, etc [3].

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The United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets to

Sustainable Development Goals

1. The sustainable cultivation of millets can support climate-resilient agriculture SDG 13

4. Greater consumption of millets can offer opportunities to smallholder farmers to

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