Embassy of India

Vientiane, Laos

Embassy of India
Vientiane

Press Release

Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference

As part of the celebrations of the International Year of Millets 2023, "Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference" is being organized by the Government of India on 18-19 March 2023. Hon'ble Prime Minister of India H.E. Narendra Modi inaugurated and addressed the conference on 18 March 2023 for global promotion & adoption of Millets as beneficial for both humans and the environment.

2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also unveiled a Commemorative Stamp and Commemorative Coin and digitally launched a compendium of Indian Millet (Shri Anna) startups and a book of millet (Shri Anna) standards.

3. International leaders conveyed their messages on the occasion. President of Ethiopia, H.E. Sahle Work Zewde congratulated the Government of India for organizing the event. She said that millets provide an affordable and nutritious option to feed the people in these times. H.E. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, said that India has assumed global leadership in promoting the cause of millets, and in doing so, it is placing its expertise for the use of the rest of the world.

4. The two-day global conference will have sessions on all important issues related to millets (Shree Anna) like promotion and awareness of millets among producers, consumers and other stakeholders; millets’ value chain development; health and nutritional aspects of millets; market linkages; research and development etc. The conference was attended by Agriculture Ministers of various countries, international scientists, nutritionists, health experts, start-up leaders, and other stakeholders.

5. Based on India’s proposal, the United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). IYM2023 will be an opportunity to raise awareness of and direct policy attention to the nutritional and health benefits of millets and their suitability for cultivation under adverse and changing climatic conditions. The year will also promote the sustainable production of millets while highlighting their potential to provide new sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers.

6. The Embassy of India in Vientiane also organized live-streaming of the inaugural session of the conference, which was attended by more than 50 Indian nationals, Persons of Indian Origin, and Friends of India. The event culminated with the serving of Millet food to the invited guests.

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