Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed confidence that the Shree Anna will benefit the country's 2.5 crore marginal farmers by strengthening the rural economy through its market and associated ecosystem. Speaking after inaugurating the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference held in New Delhi on Saturday, he underlined that the climate-resilient quality of millet can help in fighting problems related to the water crisis. The Prime Minister has stressed the need for developing a stable mechanism for sharing agricultural practices of millet cultivation among friendly countries. He said, with this mechanism, there is a possibility of developing a supply chain that can promote millet from field to market effectively. Modi informed that the contribution of Millet to the national food basket is a mere five to six per cent and urged scientists involved in research and all stakeholders to contribute to increasing this percentage.
Terming cultivation of Millet a guaranteed solution to the good health of soil and humans, the Prime Minister said, Millet, can tackle the challenge of climate change, food security and lifestyle-generated diseases. He said, Shree Anna is not only limited to food or agriculture but also an important medium in the country's prosperity. Modi said that the government has taken a number of initiatives to ensure that marginal farmers could thrive with millet cultivation.On the occasion, the Prime Minister unveiled a customised postal stamp and currency coin on the International Year of Millets. Several agriculture ministers of foreign countries, scientists and other stakeholders are participating in this two-day conference to deliberate on the promotion and awareness of millets among producers, consumers and other stakeholders; millets’ value chain development; health and nutritional aspects of millets and market linkages.
Shree Anna promotion, being the largest producer and second largest exporter of millets in the world. During last 5 years, India is producing millets in the range of 13.71 to 18.02 million tonnes. In order to promote millets and meet the additional demand of millets, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is implementing a Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals (Millets) under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in 212 Districts of 14 States since 2018-19. India exported 1,04,146 metric tonnes of millets during the export year 2022-23 (April to November) worth Rs. 365.85 crores. This export is bound to increase post-IYM celebration.
Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar highlighted India's role in Shree Anna promotion, being the largest producer and second largest exporter of millets in the world. India has always been a pioneer in recognizing values of ancient practices, in the form of food, culture and traditions, said agriculture minister. Millets are also very beneficial in fighting malnutrition, since they are packed with energy as well as protein, he said.
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