Highlights:

The background paper for the International Year of Millets 2023 was published by the Food and Agriculture Organization. The document includes a synopsis of the current status of millets worldwide and was created to inspire policymakers, farmers, civil society, opinion leaders, research and development agents, as well as the general public, to reconsider the role of millets in diversified and nutritious diets. 

Key points:

1. MILLETS ARE CLIMATE-RESILIENT CROPS

Millets can be grown in high temperatures and with little water, and are known to yield grain when other staple crops fail in extreme weather. This means millets can help stave off food insecurity as the climate becomes more erratic.

2. MILLETS PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DIVERSIFIED CROPPING SYSTEMS

Because of their short growing season and ability to grow in a variety of settings, millets can be grown in rotation with other grains as a cover crop. When used with legumes, they also improve soil health and result in higher productivity.

3. MILLETS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO HEALTHY DIETS

As good sources of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, minerals, protein, antioxidants and vitamins, millets can contribute to healthy diets. They are also versa-tile ingredients in many cuisines around the world.

4. MILLETS HAVE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL AND CAN BE USED IN INNOVATIVE WAYS

Millets can help diversify food systems and give not only farmers but processors, entrepreneurs and consumers more opportunity for financial success while taking better care of the environment.