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Source: The post is based on the article “Centre formulates action plan to promote exports of millets and value-added products of millets” published in PIB on 10th November 2022.
What is the News?
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released a comprehensive Millets exports promotion programme to promote Indian millets exports across the globe commencing December 2022.
Note: The millets export promotion programme comes at the backdrop of the proposal of India that was supported by 72 countries which led to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets(IYoM).
What is Millets exports promotion programme?
Prepared by: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
Aim: To promote Indian millets exports across the globe commencing December 2022.
Key Features of the programme
The government will facilitate the participation of exporters, farmers and traders in 16 international trade expos and Buyer Seller Meet (BSMs) to promote exports of millets.
Indian missions abroad would be roped in branding and publicity of Indian millets.
Ambassadors of Foreign missions in India of the targeted countries would be invited to showcase various millet-based products.
APEDA will showcase millets and its value-added product at various global platforms.
APEDA would also organize food sampling and tasting at the retail level and in key local bazaars of targeted countries where individual, household consumers can gain familiarity with millet products.
The government is also mobilizing start-ups for export promotion of value-added products in the Ready to Eat(RTE) and Ready to Serve(RTS) categories such as noodles, pasta, breakfast cereals mix, biscuits, cookies, snacks, sweets etc.
About Millets production in India
India is one of the leading producers of millets in the world with an estimated share of around 41% in global production.
India’s top five millet-producing states are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
Exports of Millets: The share of export of millets is nearly 1% of the total millet production. India’s major millet exporting countries are U.A.E, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia among others.
– The varieties of millets exported by India include Bajra, Ragi, Canary, Jawar, and Buckwheat.
Millets market: It is estimated that the millets market is set to grow from its current market value of more than USD 9 billion to over USD 12 billion by 2025.
