Page 11 - NIS English February 01-15,2023

Nutritious Cereals: India Leading Cover Story

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS: 72 COUNTRIES SUPPORTED PROPOSAL

Millets (Jowar, Bajra, Ragi etc.) are the oldest food items known to mankind.
Coarse cereals are the earliest crops that were cultivated in India. Many such

evidences have been found, which show that millets were eaten during the
Indus Valley Civilization. Recognising the importance of coarse grains in
providing nutritious food to the people and creating indigenous and global
demand, the Government of India, on the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra

Modi, played a leading role in declaring 2023 the International Year of Millets
in the United Nations General Assembly. India's proposal was supported by 72
countries and in March 2021 itself, the United Nations declared the year 2023
as the International Year of Millets .

2018 and the proposal at the United Nations General
Assembly to celebrate International Year of Millets,
as well as a variety of other small-scale policies.
Congratulations to the United Nations and
the Food and Agriculture Organization for THE COVID PANDEMIC AND IMPORTANCE
the launch of the International Year of OF FOOD
Millets 2023! I also appreciate the various The COVID pandemic has made everyone realise
Member States who supported our proposal how important health and nutritional security are.
to mark the International Year of Millets. Covid, Conflict, and Climate are the three Cs. Each
Millet has a proud history of being one of of these has had an impact on food security in some
way. It is critical to include nutrition in food items
the earliest crops cultivated by humans. in such a situation. Celebrating the International
They have been an important food source in Year of Millets will increase domestic and global
the past but the need of the hour is to make consumption of millets, as well as employment and
them a food substitute for the future!” economic strength. Whatever has been given by
– Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Indian tradition, culture, practise, natural products,
and nature is unquestionably perfect for keeping

New India Samachar February 1-15, 2023 9