International Year of Millets 2023

International Year of Millets 2023

The International Year of Millets (IYOM 2023) is fast approaching, and it's a great opportunity to shed light on the numerous benefits of these nutritious cereals.

Millets are native grasses that are grown for both human consumption and as cattle feed, and they are predominantly cultivated on dry, marginal lands in tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate regions. Asia and Africa are the main producers and consumers of millets, with India, Niger, Sudan, and Nigeria being the largest producers.

Sorghum/Jowar and Proso millet (also known as common millet) are grown in over 100 countries, followed by Pearl millet (bajra) and Finger millet (ragi). Other types of millets that are grown in India and Asia include Barnyard millet, Foxtail millet, Little millet, and Kodo millet.

The rare Browntop millet is only grown in the southern states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Fonio and Teff millets are only found in the African continent.

Millets are a storehouse of micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and they have numerous health benefits. They are high in fibre and protein, and they have a low glycaemic index, making them a great choice for people with diabetes. Millets are also rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

The International Year of Millets 2023 is an opportunity to promote the global production and processing of millets and encourage the use of crop rotation to make millets a major part of the global food basket. It will also highlight the role of millets in food security and nutrition, and encourage investment in research and development.

The seven themes for the IYOM 2023 are:

  • Enhancing production and productivity,
  • Adding value through processing and recipe development,
  • Promoting entrepreneurship and collective development,
  • Highlighting the health benefits of millets,
  • Raising awareness,
  • Increasing international outreach, and
  • Implementing policy interventions.

TRENPA is joining in the celebration of the International Year of Millets by promoting the consumption of naturally grown rainfed millets. Investing in the millet ecosystem provides an opportunity for investors to create a positive impact on society and the environment while leveraging the ever-increasing demand for nutritious food and addressing food security challenges.

IYOM 2023 - Communication Handbook and ToolkitIn conclusion, the International Year of Millets 2023 is a great opportunity to increase awareness about the numerous benefits of these nutritious cereals and encourage their production and consumption on a global scale.

Millets are a rich source of micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and they have numerous health benefits. They are also a sustainable crop that can thrive in challenging climates, making them a vital part of the global food supply.

The IYM Communication Handbook and Toolkit provides background about the IYM objectives, slogan, theme, facts, key messages, calls for action and visual identity, in addition to calling for the submission of human interest stories, providing a communications toolkit and highlighting ways to get engaged in IYM celebrations.

 

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