KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 5

The Embassy of India, Kathmandu organised an event today to celebrate the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023.

Addressing the event, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Bedu Ram Bhusal elaborated on the importance of millets 'Shree Anna' in Nepali agriculture, and the various policy interventions by the Nepal government to promote them.

He noted that kodo millet is one of the main sources for ensuring food security of Nepali people and welcomed the simultaneous cultivation of maize and kodo in hilly areas. He called for greater collaboration on agriculture between India and Nepal, identifying natural farming as one possible area of cooperation.

Likewise, Naveen Srivastava, ambassador of India to Nepal, spoke about the initiatives being taken by the government of India to celebrate IYM 2023, especially in the context of India's G-20 presidency.

He also mentioned about the various schemes in India to promote food processing, taking millets up the value chain, and India-Nepal agricultural cooperation, especially in the area of natural farming and collaboration between agricultural universities.

Ken Shimizu, representative of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for Nepal and Bhutan, highlighted various initiatives being taken by FAO during IYM 2023 to promote millets farming in Nepal.

Shyam Babu Yadav, president of Ayurveda Doctors Association of Nepal and Nani Shova Shakya, dietician and associate professor at College of Applied Food and Dairy Technology, Kathmandu, spoke about the nutritional benefits of millets from the Ayush and nutritional science perspectives, respectively.

An overview of millets market in Nepal was presented by Jabsons Foods, an Indian company exporting millets products to Nepal.

An exhibition of six varieties of millets was also displayed at the event. Prizes were also distributed to the winners of a Photo Challenge that was conducted by the Embassy preceding the event, and for which a number of entries were received from people from across the country showcasing how they were celebrating IYM 2023.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets on March 5, 2021 through a resolution tabled by India along with Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia and Senegal and co-sponsored by more than 70 UN member states, with the aim to raise awareness about the importance of millets for food security, nutrition, and climate resilience.

The government of India has adopted a multi-stakeholder engagement approach to make IYM 2023 a people's movement, positioning India as the 'Global Hub of Millets' through year-long national and global campaigns and activities.

The Embassy of India, Kathmandu will continue to promote stronger ties between India and Nepal through the development of sustainable agricultural practices for a healthier, greener future.

A version of this article appears in the print on September 06, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.