Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS)

About Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists: 

• The first meet of MACS was held in Mexico in 2012.
• The members of the MACS include ministries or governmental bodies responsible for agricultural research in the respective G20 states as well as leading research institutions which strategically advise these decision-makers.
• The theme of the 2023 meeting: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for Healthy People and Planet.
• The MACS will discuss food and nutrition security, resilience to climate change, One Health approaches, digital agriculture, and public-private partnerships for research, education and extension.
• The meeting will also feature the MAHARISHI Initiative i.e., Millets And OtHer Ancient Grains International ReSearcH Initiative.
• This International Initiative will focus on research and awareness about agro-biodiversity, food security, and nutrition in line with the International Year of Millets 2023.
• There are four priority areas on which focused discussion will take place.  
  • Food Security and Nutrition – the role of Frontiers in Science and Technology.
  • Building resilience and sustainable agriculture through approaches of climate resilient agriculture and One Health.
  • Digitalization for Agricultural Transformation.
  • Public-Private Partnerships for Research and Development 

Q1) What are Millets?

Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that are cultivated as a cereal crop in various parts of the world. They are a traditional staple food in many regions, especially in Asia and Africa, and have been cultivated for thousands of years.

Source: G20 MACS meeting in Varanasi to feature the MAHARISHI Initiative i.e., Millets And OtHer Ancient Grains

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