International Year of Millets (Shree Anna)

Commemorative Postage Stamp on International Year of Millets – 2023

Millets, often referred to as “nutri-cereals”, are among the oldest crops cultivated in India, with archaeological evidence of their consumption dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Known for their resilience, millets require less water and fewer inputs compared to other staples, making them vital for sustainable agriculture. Beyond their ecological advantages, they play a pivotal role in ensuring food and nutritional security while also generating livelihoods and boosting farmers’ incomes.

India stands as the global leader in millet cultivation and production, followed by Niger, Sudan, and the USA. During 2021–22, millets in India were cultivated on an area of 159.21 lakh hectares, producing 121.44 lakh tonnes, with Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh emerging as the top millet-producing states. Rajasthan alone contributes 36% of the country’s total millet cultivation.

Millets and National Priority

Recognising their enormous potential, the Government of India (GoI) began prioritizing millets in 2011 under the Nutritional Security Program. In 2018, they were rebranded as “Nutri Cereals”, and the same year was celebrated as the National Year of Millets to generate consumer demand and strengthen awareness.

The milestone came in March 2021, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on India’s proposal supported by 72 countries, declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM). This global recognition highlighted India’s leadership in promoting climate-resilient crops and sustainable diets.

Seven Sutras of IYM 2023

To mark IYM 2023, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) laid down Seven Sutras (guiding principles) to mainstream millets globally:

• Enhancing production and productivity
• Promoting nutrition and health benefits
• Encouraging value-addition, processing, and recipe innovation
• Supporting entrepreneurship and start-ups
• Creating awareness through branding and promotion
• Strengthening international outreach
• Driving policy interventions for mainstreaming millets

Additionally, six dedicated Task Force Committees were formed to address challenges across the millet value chain, from farm to market.

India’s Global Promotion of Millets

In the run-up to IYM 2023, India showcased millet-based innovations at global platforms like Dubai Expo, BioFach, Aahar International Food Fair, Saras Food Festival, and national events like Surajkund Mela.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) officially launched IYM 2023 on 6th December 2022 in Rome, Italy, attended by a senior Indian delegation. To celebrate the event domestically, the DA&FW initiated awareness campaigns, exhibitions, and millet-themed programs.

During India’s G20 and SCO Presidencies, millets were also spotlighted through curated exhibitions, millet-based cuisine, and specially designed millet hampers for foreign dignitaries—bringing India’s traditional grains to a global audience.

The Commemorative Stamp

To honour this historic milestone, the Department of Posts proudly released a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the International Year of Millets 2023. The stamp symbolizes India’s commitment to nutritional security, sustainable agriculture, and holistic development.

For philatelists, this stamp is not only a collectible but also a tribute to India’s leadership in reintroducing these ancient grains to the world, inspiring healthier diets and greener farming practices.