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International Year of Millets 2023 – A Superlative initiative by India

About International Year of Millets 2023

The year 2023 has been declared the International Year of Millets (IYOM) by the United Nations. Not many know that India proposed and backed this initiative in 2018 itself strongly and it was accepted by the UN and by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

The timing of this event is just perfect, given that the world is facing severe climate changes, which are in turn affecting crops in general. This event (International Year of Millets 2023) will boost the production of millet in developing countries and also will reach wider consumers across the world. Many countries view food security will become of prime importance in the coming years, and millet is being considered one of the best alternative cereal grains that can replace rice, wheat, barley etc. (which are water-intensive and require enormous care).

Millet is a drought and pest-resistant crop and belongs to a highly varied group of small-seeded grass families. They are cultivated for both fodder and human consumption. Some millets like foxtail millet (yellow millet) are also known for bird feeding. They are naturally gluten-free, and alkaline in nature. They are non-acid-forming foods and easy to digest. It is an excellent prebiotic food, which aids in maintaining gut bacteria. They are rich in fiber, minerals, and protein. Millet foods are also suited for a diabetic diet, as a weaning food, and, for a gluten-free diet.

As of today, Asia and Africa are the major producers of millet. The consumption of millet is also high in Asia and African continents. In Asia, India produces and consumes millet in significant proportions. The most popular millets in India are finger millet, sorghum (jowar), and pearl millet (bajra). Other minor millets like foxtail millet, little millet, and Kodo millet are concentrated in different pockets of the country. In the African continent, Niger, Sudan, and Nigeria are the major producers of millet.

Most of the states in India grow one or more millet crop species. For example, in Karnataka, finger millet (ragi) is grown extensively in the southern region. Sorghum (jowar or jawar) is grown in the northern region of Karnataka. Pearl millet is more popular in North India and in Tamil Nadu. In 2020-21, India produced about 18 million tonnes of millet! More information on the International Year of Millets 2023 can be found on the Government of India website.

Dhatu Organics offers a wide variety of millet and millet-based foods.

  • Whole Millets
  • Millet Flours
  • Millet Semolina
  • Sprouted Millet Flours
  • Activated Millet Flour

Dhatu organics’ special range of millet series is activated millet flours. Activated millet flours contain minimal antinutrients, and are easy to digest. the nutrient assimilation in the body is fast and easy. To know more about activated millets please click here.

3 Replies to “International Year of Millets 2023 – A Superlative initiative by India”

Is it possible to give brief on which millet is in particularly best suited for elderly and for those already suffering from diabetes and other old age issues. This will surely help to choose for regular use.

Dear Sir,

As per our experience,
Little millet and Barnyard millets are great for elderly people. In general, all millets are good for diabetes management. Foxtail millet is more popular in usage. We would recommend little millet and barnyard millet for elderly people.

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