Startups role in advancing the International Year of Millets 2023 campaign can be significant if the sector takes steps in the right direction.
The International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 is a global event sponsored by the Government of India and accepted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The main aim of IYM is to increase the cultivation and consumption of millets on a large scale and bring it to the global stage. Millets are a type of grain that have been grown in over 130 countries and are a traditional food for more than half a billion people in Asia and Africa. They have the potential to generate livelihoods, increase farmers’ income, and ensure food and nutritional security worldwide.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has accepted a proposal for the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023, sponsored by the Government of India. The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has stated his desire to make the IYM 2023 a “People’s Movement” and position India as the “Global Hub for Millets”.
Millets are a type of grain that are grown in more than 130 countries and are a traditional food for over half a billion people in Asia and Africa. They are an important crop due to their potential to generate livelihoods, increase farmers’ income, and ensure food and nutritional security worldwide. In 2018, India declared the year as the National Year of Millets, with the goal of increasing promotion and demand for the grain. The global millets market is expected to grow at a rate of 4.5% between 2021 and 2026.
How Startups can contribute to the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023
Developing innovative products using millets
Startups can contribute to IYM by developing innovative products using millets as a main ingredient. These products can range from snacks and baked goods to pasta and other meals. Using millets in these products can help increase the demand for the grain and contribute to the goals of IYM.
Promoting the use of millets in daily meals
Startups can also contribute by promoting the use of millets in daily meals. This can be done through marketing campaigns and educational initiatives that highlight the nutritional benefits of millets. By encouraging the incorporation of millets in meals, startups can contribute to the increased consumption of the grain.
Collaborating with farmers and agriculture organizations
Startups can collaborate with farmers and agriculture organizations to support the cultivation of millets. This can involve providing financial assistance to farmers, helping them access new markets, and providing technical support. By supporting the cultivation of millets, startups can contribute to the overall goals of IYM.
Participating in events and activities organized by the government
The government has planned a series of events and activities for the IYM, and startups can contribute by participating in these events. This can involve providing sponsorship, organizing workshops or seminars, and providing support in any other way possible. By actively participating in these events, startups can show their support for the IYM and contribute to its success.
Conclusion
The International Year of Millets 2023 presents an opportunity for startups to contribute to a global cause and make a positive impact. By developing innovative products using millets, promoting their use in daily meals, collaborating with farmers and agriculture organizations, and participating in government events, startups can contribute to the success of IYM and support the cultivation and consumption of millets on a large scale.
India Launches International Year of Millets 2023 with Promotional Events and Activities
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations held an opening ceremony for IYM 2023 in Rome, Italy on December 6, 2022. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India has engaged with various stakeholders in order to achieve the goals of IYM 2023 and increase the global presence of Indian millets.
In the month of January 2023, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India are among the organizations that will be conducting events to promote the IYM. The states of Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, and Rajasthan, as well as the countries of Sweden and Italy, will also be participating in activities during January to raise awareness about the benefits of millets.
International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 kick starts with Focussed Activities being undertaken by Central Ministries, State Governments and Indian Embassies.
DA&FW aims to promote cultivation and consumption of Millets at a larger scale and bring it to the entire globe through IYM
Central ministries, states and Indian embassies allocated a focussed month in 2023 to carry out various activities for promotion of IYM and increase awareness about benefits of millets.
January 2023 is the focussed month for the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of India and States of Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Rajasthan for conducting events/ activities for IYM
