Why did UN declare 2023 as International Year of Millets?
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Millet refers to a group of small-seeded grasses that are grown as cereal crops and used for both human consumption and animal feed. There are several different types of millet, including pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, and barnyard millet, among others.
Millet is a staple food in many parts of Africa and Asia, where it is often used to make porridge or flatbread. It is also becoming increasingly popular in Western countries as a gluten-free alternative to grains like wheat and barley.
The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets to raise awareness about the nutritional and environmental benefits of millets and to promote their cultivation, consumption, and trade. Millets are a sustainable crop that can grow well in dry and semi-arid regions, with minimal inputs such as water, fertilizers, or pesticides, making them an important crop for food security and rural livelihoods in many parts of the world.The declaration of the International Year of Millets aims to encourage governments, research institutions, and civil society organizations to invest in research and development of millet-based agriculture, value chains, and markets. It also aims to promote the inclusion of millets in national food policies, dietary guidelines, and school feeding programs, to ensure that millets are recognized as a healthy and nutritious food source for all.The UN hopes that by promoting the benefits of millets, the International Year of Millets will contribute to achieving several of the Sustainable Development Goals, including zero hunger, good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.
