NITI Aayog signs Statement of Intent with United Nations World Food Program

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Last Updated22/12/2021

NITI Aayog has signed a Statement of Intent with United Nations World Food Program for the mainstreaming of millets and supporting India in taking lead globally in knowledge exchange.
Recognizing the importance of millets, India observed 2018 as a year of millets to encourage and promote the millet production.
Leading this initiative further, India spearheaded the UNGA resolution for declaring 2023 as International Year of Millets.

WFP is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations.
It is the world's largest humanitarian organization, the largest one focused on hunger and food security, and the largest provider of school meals.
Founded in 1961, it is headquartered in Rome and has offices in 80 countries.
As of 2020, it served 115.5 million people in 80-plus countries, the largest since 2012.
In addition to emergency food relief, WFP offers technical assistance and development aid, such as building capacity for emergency preparedness and response, managing supply chains and logistics, promoting social safety programs, and strengthening resilience against climate change.

UN General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution sponsored by India and supported by over 70 nations declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets, aimed at raising awareness about the health benefits of the grain and their suitability for cultivation under changing climatic conditions.
The resolution titled 'International Year of Millets 2023' was initiated by India with Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia and Senegal and was co-sponsored by over 70 nations.