Millets is the food choice for the future

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• News Summary

Why in News?

• Recently, the opening ceremony of the ‘International Year of Millets 2023’ was organized at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy.
• In his message to the opening ceremony, PM Modi emphasized for making millets a food choice for the future.

What is Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)?

• FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
• Its goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
• It is based in Rome (Italy). With 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
• Its sister bodies are the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

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India’s Association with FAO

• India has had a historic association with FAO.
• Indian Civil Service Officer Dr Binay Ranjan Sen was the Director General of FAO during 1956-1967.
• India’s proposals for the International Year of Pulses in 2016 and the International Year of Millets 2023 have also been endorsed by FAO.
• In October 2020, India released a commemorative coin of Rs 75 denomination to mark the 75th anniversary of the FAO.

What is World Food Programme (WFP)?

• It is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations. It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security.
• Its efforts focus on emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, development aid and special operations.
• It won the Nobel Peace Prize 2020.
• Founded in 1961, it is headquartered in Rome.
• It works closely with its two Rome-based sister organizations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

News Summary

Background:

• In March, 2021, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
• The proposal was moved by India, and was supported by 72 countries.
• The International Year of Millets will raise awareness about the importance of millets in food security and nutrition.

Key highlights of the speech

• Food security is still a concern
  • Once-in-a-century pandemic followed by a conflict situation has shown that food security is still a concern for the planet.
• Millets – food choice of future
  • Millets have a glorious history of being among the earliest crops grown by humans.
  • They have been an important food source in the past. But the need of the hour is to make them a food choice for the future.
  • A global movement related to millets is an important step, since they are easy to grow, climate resilient and drought resistant.
• Importance of Millets was highlighted
  • Millets are good for consumers, cultivators and the climate.
  • They are a rich source of balanced nutrition; they benefit the cultivators and the environment since they need lesser water and are compatible with natural ways of farming.
  • Millets are a good way to increase agricultural and dietary diversity.
    • There is a need for diversity on the land and on our tables. If agriculture becomes monoculture, it impacts our health and the health of our lands.
• Increase awareness
  • Raising awareness to create “Millet Mindfulness” is an important part of this movement.
  • Both institutions and individuals can make a tremendous impact in this regard.
    • Institutional mechanisms can encourage production of millets and make it profitable via policy initiatives.
    • Individuals can make health-conscious and planet-friendly choices by making it a part of their diet.

Q1) Who is the millet Man of India?

Dr Khadar Vali is popularly known as the ‘Millet Man of India’.

Q2) What are different types of millets?

There are ten types of millets available in the market, including Sorghum, Finger Millet, Pearl Millet, Foxtail millet, Proso/Broomcorn millet, and Buckwheat.