Millets have increasing relevance in the world in backdrop of Climate change and Conflicts, says S Jaishankar
CNS Monitoring Desk,24-Nov; External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar today said Millets have increasing relevance in the world today in the backdrop of COVID, climate change, and conflicts.  
He was speaking at the pre-launch of India's year-long grand celebration of ‘International Year of Millets 2023" in New Delhi. 
Dr Jaishankar stressed that millets are important for food security as well as international relations. He said COVID was a period that reminded the world what a pandemic could do to food security. He said climate changes can lower production and disrupt trade. He suggested that in international relations, much greater attention ought to be given to food security.  
In his address, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the International Year of Millets will raise awareness about the importance of millets in food security and nutrition. He said India is one of the major producers of millet. He added that millets are a climate-friendly crop that can even be grown in drought-hit areas. He said his Ministry is working in a mission mode to increase millets consumption and production.  
High Commissioners and Ambassadors to India from over 60 countries attended the pre-launch celebration. The key objective of the event was to spread awareness about Indian millets and engage with other nations for a successful global celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023.
As per reports, millets contain substantially high amounts of proteins, fiber, and minerals, in comparison to fine cereals like rice and wheat. Jowar,  Bajra, Ragi,  Foxtail millet, buckwheat, and amaranthus are some examples of millets.  These contain many health benefits as they are gluten-free and non-allergic. Millets reduce Anemia, liver disorders, and Asthma. Their high dietary fiber provides hunger satisfaction and helps reduce obesity and the risk of Type II Diabetes. Millets are grown in 131 countries and are a traditional food for 59 crore people in Asia and Africa. Millets are growing in popularity as a superfood in the world.(CNS)