“India is at the forefront of popularizing Millets, whose consumption furthers nutrition, food security, and the welfare of farmers.” - Prime Minister Narendra Modi
As the world grapples with challenges like food without nutritional density, growing hunger, population growth, and climate change, the search for sustainable agricultural practices and affordable, nutritious food has become more pressing. A strong synergy between millet and its nutritional density properties could be big tackling the world's nutritional challenges.
All - this led to the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations - definitely not an isolated event but a real push to make millets a global wellness trend. It was a capstone, the culmination of a series of strategic initiatives that have been building momentum over the past decade. The year served as a global platform to elevate millets, showcasing their role not just in nutrition and health but also in making them go mainstream and become relevant on the world stage.
The Journey to 2023: A Strategic Build-up
The seeds of the International Year of Millets were planted as early as 2018 when the Indian government rebranded these grains as “Nutricereals.” Combining 2 powerful words “Nutrition” & “Cereal” to create a super cereal - building the trend of millets as nutricereals. This rebranding truly emphasized their superior nutritional value compared to more commonly consumed cereals like rice and wheat.
It was a real strategic effort to reposition millet as a health-conscious choice for modern consumers. This initiative also saw the inclusion of millets in the Public Distribution System (PDS), making them accessible to millions, particularly in rural areas, and laying the groundwork for an upcoming resurgence.
In the same year, India declared 2018 as the National Year of Millets. This marked a critical moment in reviving millet cultivation and consumption on a national scale. Millets were integrated into various government programs, such as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), significantly improving the nutritional intake of children and women. This national recognition was a precursor to the global stage that millets would soon command - a foreshadowing of a way to shape the things in the days to come.
This recognition at the national level was bolstered by the Millet Missions launched in recent years, aimed at increasing millet production, improving supply chains, and driving millets 360 degrees.
The state-level millet missions in India were strategically positioned as comprehensive, mission-driven campaigns designed to tackle a range of challenges, from nutritional security to sustainable agriculture. These state-focused missions sought to revive millets as a key part of India’s cultural and dietary heritage, addressing the growing concerns of malnutrition and lifestyle diseases by promoting the superior nutritional profile of these ancient grains - at the most local level.
This approach not only expanded demand for millet-based products locally and globally but also aligned with government programs focused on food security and sustainable development. The missions emphasized the need for shift towards millets to combat issues, while also engaging local communities to build a bottom-up movement. These include key moves such as "Odisha Millets Mission" (OMM) in 2017, focusing on reviving millets as a staple food or Andhra Pradesh’s Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) - another millet mission attempt.
The International Year of Millets also drew lessons from the success of the International Year of Quinoa in 2013. Just as quinoa gained global recognition as a superfood, millets are now poised to follow a similar trajectory. The lessons learned from quinoa’s market expansion and global promotion have provided a template for millets, setting the stage for their future growth in health-conscious and organic food markets worldwide.
Coming back - the latest moves, by 2023, the term “Shree Anna” (meaning “divine grain”) was officially introduced by the Indian government - building on “nutricereals” further elevating the status of millets in both agriculture and diet. The International Year of Millets was thus not just a celebration but a strategic declaration that aligned with global campaigns dedicated to promoting millets - with India looking to be the world leader.
The Birth of Millet & Cultural Festivals
While - the cultural significance of millets was celebrated throughout the International Year of Millets, with festivals and events across India and Africa became more common. These festivals were not just about food; they were a celebration of heritage, bringing traditional millet-based dishes, cultural performances, and educational programs to the front. All capped with the festival of "Shree Anna Mahotsav", held in New Delhi, India a global initiative led by India to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets.
The festival featured a wide array of millet-based dishes, showcasing the versatility and health benefits of millets, and was attended by numerous stakeholders, including farmers, chefs, food enthusiasts, and policymakers. The Shree Anna Mahotsav played a significant role in raising awareness about millets and encouraging their incorporation into mainstream diets.
Looking Ahead: Millets in the Decade Ahead
The declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets was more than a milestone—it was the launchpad for a global revolution in food systems. The momentum generated has set the stage for a transformative decade - which is the only way to push this grain changeover at a global level. A complete push is the only way to make the millet story the world’s most important wellness trend.
Quite informative