Millet is gaining immense popularity since the declaration of the year 2023 as an “International year of millets”. The Indian government is making all efforts to ensure IYM is a grand success. After organizing various state missions, budget 2023 has given a notable emphasis on creating millet awareness.

Budget 2023 millet policy is focusing on various aspects of millet promotion, starting from enhancing the production to branding and encouraging millet consumption domestically as well as globally.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the budget, said that the Government aims to establish India as a global hub for millet. She addressed millets as “Sri Anna”.

Millet Facts mentioned in the Budget Speech

• India is the largest producer and second largest exporter of Sri Anna in the world.
• Several types of Sri Anna such as Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, Kutu, Ramdana, Kangni, Kutki, Kodo, Cheena and Sama are grown in India.
• Millets offer several health benefits and have been an integral part of our food for centuries.

 She also recognized the contribution of small farmers by saying, ”I acknowledge with pride the huge service done by small farmers in contributing to the health of fellow citizens by growing these, Sri Anna”.

Budget 2023: Key highlights that are aimed to make India, a global millet leader

 Here are some key highlights that show that India will be a global millet leader.  

Indian Institute of millet research will change into center of excellence

To make India a global hub for millet, the Indian Institute of Millet research, Hyderabad, will be converted into a center of excellence for sharing best practices for research and technologies at the international level. These things will help brands to get the best out of millet. 

Acceleration of agricultural funds to encourage millet production 

Agricultural accelerate funds have been issued for Argo startups and aspiring entrepreneurs to encourage millet production and solve problems in rural areas. The fund will aim at bringing innovative and affordable solutions for challenges faced by farmers. It will also bring in modern technologies to transform agricultural practices and increase productivity and profitability. 

Promoting collaboration between farmers, state and industry

Collaboration between farmers, state and industry for input supplies, extension services and market linkages.

Increased agricultural credit target 

With the budget 2023, the agricultural credit target will be increased to Rs 20 lakh crore with a focus on animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries.

PM Modi’s support and encouragement for millet 

PM Modi has consistently shown his support and words of encouragement for promoting millets. He has led and presented India’s proposal for making 2023 an international year of millet effectively, in front of the United Nations. His proposal was supported by 72 nations and 2023 has been declared as “International year of millets”

On his radio show “Mann ki Baat”, he explained the significance of millets to people in simple words. And now, with his recent Budget speech, he has motivated people to increase millet consumption and make IYM a people’s movement. 

In his recent Budget 2023 speech, he said that “Today when millets are reaching every home and gaining popularity across the world, small farmers will get the ultimate benefit”.

What does an Industry expert say?

Industry experts like Skyroots.in have welcomed Budget 2023’s millet-promoting policies wholeheartedly and applauded the Indian government’s efforts to make India the global leader of millets.  Being Atmanirbhar in the healthy food domain will go a long way in improving the food security and the nourishment of our country’s population.

Many start-up’s have invested in millet based products, as India rediscovers the goodness of millets. Skyroots.in is a millet product-based brand, headquartered in Pune. We have a wide range of millet products like millet baking mix, millet bars and millet snacks (millet chivda) to help people make millet a part of their daily routine. We are committed to supporting the IYM and Budget 2023’s millet policies to increase millet awareness and promote healthy lifestyle practices. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, millets have received high priority in budget 2023. They are high in nutrition and require less water and less fertile soil to grow. Thus, encouraging millet cultivation can be a great way to support small farmers and increase food and nutrition security worldwide.