High Commission of India
Nairobi
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Press Release

High Commission organised live streaming of the launch of Global Millet (Shree Anna) Conference from New Delhi that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. About 60 representatives from Indian community organisations, millet and agri-based businesses and professionals were present at the event. After the conference, the participants were served millet-based Indian brunch.

At the Conference, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi also unveiled a customised postal stamp and Rs 75 coin to commemorate the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023. The announcement of Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Millets Research in Hyderabad as Global Centre of Excellence was also made during the conference. The Conference in New Delhi was attended by Agriculture Ministers from various countries, International Organisations, businesses, researchers, farmers and other stakeholders dealing with millets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the climate resilience of millets and informed that they can be easily produced even in adverse climatic conditions. He also noted that millets can be grown without chemicals and thereby can contribute to safeguard the health of both humans and the soil, thereby giving strength to the rural economy.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM) on 5^th March 2021. The proposal submitted by the Government of India was supported by 72 countries including Kenya. The Year is being observed to elevate awareness of nutri-cereals (millets) for food security and nutrition, enhance investment in R&D and extension, and to inspire stakeholders towards improving production productivity and quality of millets. The Government of India (GOI) aims to make International Year of Millets 2023 a global movement for the overall benefit of the Cultivator, Consumer and Climate. On 6^th December 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations organized an official Opening Ceremony for the International Year of Millets – 2023 at Rome, Italy.

High Commission has been promoting the International Year of Millet through various events and today’s livestreaming event was in line with Mission’s planned activities during the year. High Commissioner Namgya Khampa invited enhance partnership between India and Kenya as Millet producer and user, in the areas of technical exchanges, capacity building, cooperation on food security and global promotion and advocacy.

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18 March 2023