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'International Year of Millets 2023' drew a very positive global response – PM Modi in the 139th 'Mann Ki Baat'

26 October 2026 · English International

'International Year of Millets 2023' drew a very positive global response – PM Modi in the 139th 'Mann Ki Baat'

Topics: Environment, Rural Development & Economy · 26 October 2026 Current Affairs (UPSC / TNPSC / SSC / RRB)

News

In the 139th 'Mann Ki Baat', broadcast on Sunday 25 Oct 2026, PM Narendra Modi recalled that India's call to mark 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets' received a very positive global response, and said millets ('Shree Anna') are deeply rooted in Indian culture. Examples of the millet revival in the Northeast: two women friends in Khanduli village, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, making millet cookies, cakes and baby food; farmer Chekjing Sangma of Sadolpara village, West Garo Hills; and Kezoma village, Kohima district, Nagaland – cultivation resumed in 2024 and its first millet festival held in 2025. He also recalled the programme's 12-year journey.

Key facts

EpisodeMann Ki Baat – 139th episode; 25 Oct 2026 (Sunday); All India Radio
Millet messageGlobal response to IYM 2023; revival in the Northeast – Khanduli, Sadolpara (Meghalaya), Kezoma (Nagaland)
Other topicsVocal for Local during Diwali–Chhath, khadi, e-Sanjeevani (≈50 crore tele-consultations), IIT Madras brain research, organ donation, tributes to Sardar Patel and Narinder Singh Kapany (fibre-optics pioneer)
IYM 2023UNGA resolution – 3 March 2021; proposed by India; backed by over 70 countries
Shree AnnaUnion Budget 2023–24: millets named 'Shree Anna'; ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad – 'Global Centre of Excellence'

Background

  • Mann Ki Baat: the PM's monthly radio address; first broadcast on 3 Oct 2014 (Vijayadashami) on All India Radio (Akashvani); usually on the last Sunday of the month at 11 a.m.
  • International Year of Millets: FAO endorsed India's proposal in 2018; the UN General Assembly declared 2023 the International Year of Millets on 3 March 2021. India observed 2018 as the 'National Year of Millets'.
  • Agri-science: millets – pearl millet (bajra/kambu), sorghum (jowar/cholam), finger millet (ragi), foxtail, little, kodo, proso and barnyard millets. Drought-tolerant, low-water 'climate-resilient' crops rich in fibre, iron and calcium. Wheat, barley and oats are not millets. Rajasthan leads in pearl millet output.
  • Institution: ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) – Hyderabad, Telangana; named a 'Global Centre of Excellence' in Budget 2023–24.

Tamil Nadu link: the five-year 'Tamil Nadu Millet Mission' was announced in the State's Agriculture Budget (2023–24) presented on 21 March 2023 (estimated cost ₹82 crore; Centre–State funding). Namakkal, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Erode and Pudukkottai were added as millet zones. Sangam literature mentions thinai and varagu.

Source: IANS / The Hans India, 25 Oct 2026; ETV Bharat, NewsBytes, JustKannada, 25 Oct 2026; UN Digital Library (resolution); LatestLY (March 2021); The Statesman (TN Millet Mission)

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