India's move to mainstream millets will go a long way in ensuring Global Food Security: UN
India’s G20 Presidency sets an inspiring and optimistic pathway for all nations to attain agricultural efficiency and food security. Under India’s leadership, food security and nutrition for all, sustainable climate-resilient agriculture approach, inclusive agrifood systems, and digitalization were widely advocated.
When nations are reeling under the catastrophic effects of COVID-19, conflict, slowdowns and downturns, and climate change, India’s additional vision to focus its agriculture production and consumption on millets is commendable.
Millets are resilient and nutritious small-grain cereals that provide affordable and diverse options for people, especially those affected by food insecurity and malnutrition.
Millets also enhance the sustainability and resilience of agrifood systems, by emitting less greenhouse gases, improving soil health, and supporting crop rotation.
The G20 countries with their stronghold on agriculture and food sectors carry the immense potential to strengthen the complex agrifood systems. The G20 Agriculture Working Group enabled dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation on a range of issues such as food security, nutrition, antimicrobial resistance, food loss and waste, sustainability, and resilient and inclusive food value chains.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) closely works with the Government of India in realising its vision to achieve global food security and the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Food security and nutrition for all
Last year, one in eleven people went to bed hungry, while nearly 3.1 billion people – or 42 percent — survived on starchy staples because they couldn’t afford fruits and vegetables.
