Ambassador Jayant Khobragade emphasized the significance of millets in ensuring food security, with representation not only from Indian stakeholders but also from ASEAN member states …reports Asian Lite News
India and ASEAN jointly inaugurated a five-day Millets Festival in Jakarta, aimed at promoting awareness and establishing a market for millets and millet-based products among the 10-member bloc.
“The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) participated in the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit on September 7. During the ASEAN-India summit, one of the joint statements adopted was about food security,” India’s Ambassador to ASEAN Jayant Khobragade said, news agency PTI reported.
Ambassador Jayant Khobragade emphasized the significance of millets in ensuring food security, with representation not only from Indian stakeholders but also from ASEAN member states at the festival. Millets play a vital role in addressing global hunger and nutrient deficiencies, contributing to the broader ASEAN-India relationship.
The ‘ASEAN-India Millets Festival,’ organized by the Indian Mission to ASEAN and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, commenced on November 22. The festival includes a Millet-centric exhibition featuring participation from Millet-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), start-ups, and Indian chefs.
Arief Prasetyo Adi, Head of the National Food Agency in Indonesia, highlighted millets as a farmer-friendly and sustainable food choice, particularly in the context of climate change. The festival presents an opportunity to raise awareness about the nutritional, environmental, and economic benefits of millets.
The festival’s goal is to create a market for millets and millet-based products among ASEAN member states. Millets are known for their ability to grow on arid lands with minimal inputs and resilience to climate changes, making them an ideal solution for increasing self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imported cereal grains.
India, taking a lead in addressing food security challenges, spearheaded the UN General Assembly Resolution to declare 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets.’ This initiative aims to promote the sustainable production of millets and explore new market opportunities for producers and consumers.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is leading a diverse delegation representing Farmer Producer Organizations, industry leaders, and more at the festival. The Millet-centric exhibition features products from Indian FPOs and start-ups, showcasing millet-added products like cookies, namkeen, khakhra, cakes, and more.
Ankit Patel from Vaam Agro and Rizal Satria from Indonesia shared success stories, illustrating the growing market for millet-based products. The festival also includes a live cooking workshop where celebrity chefs from India and Indonesia showcase the culinary potential of millets.
In summary, the ‘ASEAN-India Millets Festival’ serves as a platform to foster collaboration, celebrate cultural diversity, and promote sustainable millet practices for a healthier future among ASEAN member states.