International Year of Millets 2023 closing ceremony held by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 29 March 2024 at the FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy.
Respected dignitaries worldwide, including Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Additional Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for the Government of India, were brought together for a high-level hybrid event. Attendees participated both in-person and virtually.
Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, during the ceremony, highlighted the importance of India’s expanding millet ecosystem. She highlighted the role of startups, industries, and farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) in advancing global millets.
Dr. QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, expressed appreciation during the official closing ceremony for the international community’s dedication to advancing millet-related initiatives. He emphasizes the essential role of millet in achieving food security and nutrition for all.
Mr. Yaya Adisa Olaitan Olaniran, the Minister and Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to FAO, provided valuable awareness of the importance of millet and presented strategies for incorporating millet cultivation into sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.
An interesting video was presented highlighting the wide arrangement of activities and events held globally as part of the International Year of Millets 2023, underlining the significant impact of this initiative on a global scale.
The event concluded with Deputy Director-General FAO Ms. Beth Bechdol with closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all participants for their constant commitment and dedication to the success of the International Year of Millets 2023. She highlighted the importance of maintaining energy in promoting millets beyond the designated year.
The International Year of Millets was declared for 2023 by the United Nations General Assembly, following a proposal by India with support from over 70 countries. Throughout the year-long celebration, significant progress was achieved in raising awareness about the nutritional benefits of millets, their existence for cultivation in challenging climates, and the establishment of sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers.
The closing ceremony provided a platform for evaluating the achievements and lessons learned from IYM 2023, as well as identifying priorities for future investments to address restrictions and enhance millet value chains.
The event presents interesting discussions and presentations underscoring the significance of millets in achieving sustainable development objectives, disclosing millets’ transformation into a “Global Superfood.” Particularly significant was a panel conversation on “Research and Development for the Millets Sector,” where Dr. C Tara Satyavathi, Director of ICAR-IIMR, provided valuable awareness into India’s research and development attempt aimed at establishing a strong millets value chain.
Furthermore, a unique exhibition showing value-added millet products from various countries, along with a live cooking demonstration, was arranged to expand the success of millets further.
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