Why 2023 Is The Year Of Millets

The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets to raise awareness about the nutritional and health benefits of millets and promote their cultivation and consumption. 

The International Year of Millets stands to provide a unique opportunity to increase global production, ensure efficient processing and consumption, promote a better utilization of crop rotations, and encourage better connectivity throughout food systems to promote millets as a key component of the food basket.

Millets are among the first plants to be domesticated and are considered "nutri-cereals" due to their high nutritional content. They have served as a traditional staple for hundreds of millions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia for 7 000 years, and are now cultivated across the world. However, their cultivation is declining in many countries, and their potential to address climate change and food security is not being realized in full. This is despite the fact that millets can grow on relatively poor soils and under adverse and arid conditions, with comparatively fewer inputs than other cereals.

The need to promote the diversity and nutritional and ecological benefit of millets to consumers, producers, value chain actors, and decision makers is timely, and can improve food sector linkages.

As such, a proposal for an International Year of Millets (2023) was brought forward by India and endorsed by UN General Assembly.

The International Year will 

1. Elevate awareness of the contribution of millets for food security and nutrition. 

2. Inspire stakeholders on improving sustainable production and quality of millets; and

3. Draw focus for enhanced investment in research and development and extension services to achieve the other two aims.

Did You Know?

Millets are highly nutritious and are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them an ideal food for people with celiac disease or diabetes.

Millets are drought-resistant and require less water and fertilizer than other crops like rice and wheat. This makes them a sustainable and eco-friendly crop that can help address issues of food security and climate change.

Millets are also an important crop for small-scale farmers, especially in developing countries. By promoting millet cultivation and consumption, we can support small-scale farmers and help improve their livelihoods.

Overall, the year 2023 is expected to bring increased attention to millets and their benefits, which could lead to greater demand and consumption of these nutritious and sustainable crops.

For latest health news and updates, expert advice on nutrition, diets and gut health, healthy recipes, and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Read more on Healthy Goodies Blog