Kathmandu, Mar. 18: The Embassy of India, Kathmandu live-streamed and virtually participated in the inauguration of the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference  by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday to celebrate the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023.

    An event held at the Embassy to mark this occasion was attended by more than 50 distinguished guests, including Madhu Kumar Marasini, Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Government of Nepal, Mr. Ken Shimizu, FAO Country Representative for Nepal and Bhutan, representatives of various industry and agricultural associations and members of the Indian community. 

     At the conference, the Indian Prime Minister unveiled a stamp and a coin to mark the IYM 2023. He also announced ICAR-IIMR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research -Indian  Institute of Millets Research) as the Global Centre of Excellence in Millets Research. 

    The United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets on 5 March 2021 through a resolution tabled by India along with Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia and Senegal and co-sponsored by more than 70 UN member states, with the aim to raise awareness about the importance of millets for food security, nutrition, and climate resilience. 

  The Government of India has adopted a multi-stakeholder engagement approach to make IYM 2023 a people's movement, positioning India as the 'Global Hub of Millets' through year-long national and global campaigns and activities. 

   Following the inauguration of the Conference by Indian PM, a lunch was served to the attendees showcasing the versatility and nutritional benefits of various millets through culinary preparations. 

  The Embassy of India, Kathmandu remains committed to fostering stronger ties between India and Nepal through such meaningful initiatives and promoting sustainable agricultural practices for a healthier, greener future.