Agriculture Minister launches ‘Millets Experience Centre’ at Dilli Haat

Tags: National National News

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the first of its kind ‘Millets Experience Centre (MEC)’ at Dilli Haat in New Delhi on 28th April.

An overview of the news

• India has an important role to play in the celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023.

• India is poised to become a 'Global Hub' for Millets and setting up of MEC is a major step in that direction.

• The United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023).

About Millets Experience Centre

• The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) in association with the Ministry of Agriculture has set up the Millets Experience Centre.

• It aimsto increase awareness about millet and encourage its adoption among the general public.

• Setting up a consumer-oriented 'Millets Experience Centre' will not only promote the dietary benefits of millets but also popularize Shree Anna (Millets) as a nutritional powerhouse.

• In addition to the unique dining experience, customers can also purchase a variety of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products from local millet start-ups at MEC.

International Year of Millet (IYOM)-2023

• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India's resolution and declared 2023 as the International Year of millets in March 2021.

• India's proposal received the support of 72 countries.

• In 2021, NITI Aayog signed a letter of intent with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).

• The partnership focuses on mainstreaming millets and helping India take a global lead in promoting its health benefits.

• The objective of this partnership is to build resilient livelihoods for smallholder farmers and to build adaptability to climate change and changing food systems.