New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference at Subramaniam Hall, NASC Complex, IARI Campus, PUSA New Delhi today.
The two-day global conference will have sessions on all important issues related to millets (Shree Anna) like promotion and awareness of millets among producers, consumers and other stakeholders; millets’ value chain development; health and nutritional aspects of millets; market linkages; research and development etc.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated and visited the Exhibition cum Buyer Seller Meet Pavilion. He also unveiled a Commemorative Stamp and Commemorative Coin. This was followed by the Prime Minister digitally launching a compendium of Indian Millet (Shri Anna) startups and a book of millet (Shri Anna) standards.
International leaders conveyed their messages
International leaders conveyed their messages on the occasion. President of Ethiopia, H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde congratulated the Government of India for organizing the event. She said that millets provide an affordable and nutritious option to feed the people in these times. Ethiopia is an important millet-producing country in Sub-Saharan Africa. She underlined the utility of the event for highlighting the policy attention needed for the propagation of millets and studying the suitability of the crops as per their ecosystem.
India has assumed global leadership in promoting cause of millets: President of Guyana
Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana said that India has assumed global leadership in promoting the cause of millets and in doing so it is placing its expertise for the use of the rest of the world. He said that the success of the International Year of Millets will go a long way in achieving SDGs.
Dr Ali said Guyana has recognized millets as a key factor in ensuring food security, he informed. Guyana is embarking on collaboration with India for scalable production of millet by earmarking 200 acres of land for exclusive millet production where India will provide technical guidance and support with technology.
Shree Anna is becoming a medium of holistic development: PM
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that such events are not just a necessity for the global good but also a symbol of India’s responsibilities towards the global good.
The Prime Minister informed the foreign delegates about India’s branding initiatives for millets as India now calls millets - Shree Anna. He elaborated that Shri Anna is not limited to just food or farming. Those acquainted with Indian tradition will understand the importance of prefixing Shree before anything. “Shree Anna is becoming a medium of holistic development in India.
Shree Anna is linked with Gaon as well as Garib: PM
He said Shree Anna is linked with Gaon as well as Garib (Village and the poor)”. Shree Anna- a door to prosperity for the small farmers of the country, Shree Anna - the cornerstone of nutrition for crores of countrymen, Shree Anna - felicitation of Adivasi Community, Shree Anna- getting more crops for less water, Shree Anna - a big foundation for chemical-free farming., Shree Anna - a huge help in fighting climate change,” he added.
Per person consumption of Shri Anna increased to 14 kg per month
The Prime Minister noted that millets are primarily cultivated in 12-13 different states in the country where at-home consumption per month per person was not more than 3 kilograms whereas the consumption has increased to 14 kilograms per month today. He also informed that the sale of millet food products has also seen a boost of roughly 30%.
Campaign for Shri Anna will prove to be a boon for 2.5 crore farmers
Informing that about 2.5 crore small farmers are directly involved in the production of millets in India, the Prime Minister noted that they faced the challenges of climate change even though they own very little land. “India's Millet Mission - The campaign for Shri Anna will prove to be a boon for 2.5 crore farmers of the country.
Over 500 startups working on Shree Anna have come up
The Prime Minister informed that more than 500 startups working on Shree Anna have come up and a large number of FPOs are also coming forward in the last few years. He also pointed out that a complete supply chain is being developed in the country where women from self-help groups in small villages are making millet products that are making their way into malls and supermarkets.
Highlighting India’s motto of One Earth, One Family, One Future for the G-20 Presidency, the Prime Minister underlined that considering the whole world as one family is also reflected in the International Millet Year.
No comments:
Post a Comment