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United Nations (UN) has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. India was instrumental in making this big move. The Government of India, led by the Prime Minister, spearheaded the proposal for the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023. It was approved by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The announcement has helped the Government of India take the lead in commemorating the IYM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently relished sumptuous lunch in Parliament by bolstering this movement and creating awareness underlining the significance of millets. The afternoon meal consisted of a grand spread of millet dishes. He afterwards took to Twitter to share some photos from the event.
Recently, the PM was seen having a hearty meal consisting of millet-based culinary fares hosted at the Parliament. He took to his Twitter handle and posted pictures from the lunch and captioned it:
"As we prepare to mark 2023 as the International Year of Millets attended a sumptuous lunch in Parliament where millet dishes were served. Good to see participation from across party lines."
PM Modi's tweet about the sumptuous millet lunch, Image Source: Narendra Modi @Twitter
Those photographs capture PM Modi's enthusiasm towards millets. He is seen seated next to a number of politicians, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar. Millet khichdi, ragi roti, jowar roti, ragi dosa, haldi curry, bajra, and churma were among the foods prepared for the said lunch. Bajra kheer and bajra cake sweetened the meal as desserts.
Healthy ragi dosa and chutney, Image Source: Freepik
Previously, India declared 2018 the National Year of Millets to increase nutrient-rich cereal production. Millets are gradually taking centre stage due to ongoing efforts and public awareness campaigns. People, organizations, the Indian government, and the UN have put a lot of effort in recent years to promote the merits of this grain.
PM Modi having a look at different millets, Image Source: Narendra Modi @Twitter
Millets require one-third the amount of water that rice does. Millets are, in fact, super grains. They benefit consumers, farmers, and the environment. India is the world's second-largest producer of millets. Therefore, the government's new action plan to increase millet exports and value-added goods incorporating the grain is timely.
