International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023

Context: 2023 has been declared as IYM by the UN on a proposal by India with the aim to create awareness about the health benefits of millet.

International year of millets

Benefits of Millets:Nutritional Security: cheap and more nutritious. E.g. Ragi has the highest calcium content and high iron content can fight the high prevalence of anaemia.

-Climate Resilient: they are known as hardy and drought-resistant crops, which has to do with their

-Economic Security: low investment for inputs

-Against Health Issues: Millets are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index (glucose level) and therefore can help in tackling lifestyle problems and health challenges such as obesity and diabetes.

-Millets have antiaging and antioxidant

Challenges:Preference for Wheat as staple food: Wheat because of gluten makes softer food and is more liked.
Government policies:g. National Food Security Act promotes wheat and rice

-Lack of awareness about the benefit of Millet.

Other challenges: lack of input subsidies and price incentives, and changing consumer preferences.

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