India Organized the ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023 in Indonesia

The ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023, organized by the Indian Mission to ASEAN in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, is currently underway in Indonesia from November 22nd to November 26th, 2023.

Download Free February 2024 BOLT PDF (Current Affairs)

The festival commenced with an inaugural session at the Kota Kasablanka Mall, a prominent shopping destination in South Jakarta. As part of the festival, a millet-centric exhibition is being held, featuring participation from millet-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), start-ups, and Indian chefs.

ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023

The ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023, aligning with the International Year of Millets (IYM) celebrations, aims to promote awareness and establish a market for millets and millet-based products among the ASEAN Member States, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. A delegation from India, led by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, is actively participating in the festival, showcasing a diverse group of professionals involved in the Indian millet ecosystem, such as chefs, start-ups, representatives from Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), industry leaders, and state officials.

Schedule

The ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023, scheduled from November 22nd to 26th, aims to promote collaboration between ASEAN countries, celebrate cultural and culinary diversity, and encourage sustainable millet practices for a healthier future.

The exhibition will feature five Indian Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and two startups showcasing unique millet-added products such as cookies, namkeen, khakhra, cakes, and more. This initiative seeks to raise awareness and create a market for millets and millet-based products among ASEAN member states.

Major Highlight

The ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023 will feature a live cooking workshop from November 23rd to 26th. Celebrity chefs from India and Indonesia will showcase the culinary potential of millets, presenting dishes like Foxtail Millet Tabouleh, Mixed Millet Mathri Canopies, Millet Risotto, Millet Curd Rice, Ragi brownie, and cookies each day. Chefs Vinesh Johny, Risma Widyastuti, Anahita Dhondy, Sabyasachi Gorai, and Ambika Johar will engage the audience with a new dish daily during this period.

Significance of the ASEAN-India Millet Festival

ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023 in Indonesia

The ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023, taking place in Indonesia from November 22nd to 26th, is a significant step towards raising awareness about millet. This initiative aligns with the ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises adopted at the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 7, 2023. The five-day festival aims to foster collaboration, celebrate cultural and culinary diversity, and promote sustainable millet practices for a healthier future.

Inaugural Session

India actively contributed valuable insights into millet cultivation, processing, and the business potential of these ancient grains during the ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023. The country highlighted its leading role in celebrating the International Year of Millets 2023 and showcased government initiatives encouraging millet adoption through engaging videos and panel discussions. The discussions emphasized the significant prospects of millet cultivation and its role in diversifying the South Asian food basket. Ambassador of India to ASEAN, Mr. Jayant Khobragade, and Head of the National Food Agency (Badan Pangan Nasional (BPN)) Indonesia, Mr. Arief Prasetyo Adi, emphasized millets as a farmer-friendly and sustainable food choice to address global hunger and nutrient deficiencies in the context of climate change. The day concluded with a millet-based luncheon, demonstrating the versatility and nutritional value of millets in Asian cuisine.

International Year of Millets 2023 (IYM 2023)

In celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023, a grand installation consisting of 50,000 tetra-pack containers of millet beverages will be crafted and distributed to underprivileged children. Additionally, the expected 75,000 visitors over the course of three days will have the opportunity to enjoy cultural programs, featuring dance and musical performances.

The triumph of World Food India 2023 is poised to establish a Global Food Event in the country, positioning it alongside similar prestigious events held worldwide. This event not only showcases India’s culinary and cultural diversity but also its commitment to food sustainability and innovation.

Background

India proposed observing an International Year of Millets in 2023, which was approved by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 2018.
The UN General Assembly has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, following the adoption of a UN Resolution.
India led the proposal, which was supported by over 70 nations.

Objectives

The objectives of the International Year of Millets are –

To increase awareness of the contribution of millet to food security and nutrition.
Inspire stakeholders to improve sustainable production and quality of millet.
Focus on enhanced investment in research and development and extension services to achieve the other two aims.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

Oliveboard Live Courses & Mock Test Series