In India, millet is known as a "forgotten" or "orphan" crop, having for decades been crowded out by more favored staples like rice and wheat. But due to climate change and water shortages, Indians have begun to regard millet as a "life-saving straw" because it requires less water

In India, millet is known as a "forgotten" or "orphan" crop, having for decades been crowded out by more favored staples like rice and wheat. But due to climate change and water shortages, Indians have begun to regard millet as a "life-saving straw" because it requires less water and is more heat-tolerant than other grains.

Modi data map (Source: Xinhua News Agency)

According to reports from multiple Indian media on the 17th, the Information Bureau of India stated that in order to enhance citizens’ awareness of environmental responsibility and promote a sustainable lifestyle, this year there will be 5 films on the ecological environment. Film screenings, including a documentary on millet cultivation in India.

In order to encourage millet production, India designated 2018 as the "Year of Millet" and later pushed the United Nations General Assembly to declare 2023 as the "International Year of Millet".

At the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in India in 2023, the host promoted delicacies using millet as the main ingredient at the state banquet.

In June 2023, Modi participated in the creation and performance of the song "Millet's Abundance", which was also nominated for a Grammy Award. Although some critics said the song was too idealistic, it has attracted a lot of imitations on social media. In November 2023, the official website of Odisha's "Millet Mission" released a song called "Our Millet Mission" to encourage local people to grow and eat millet.

According to a report by CCTV Chinese International Channel in February this year, as India has experienced an increase in abnormally hot weather in recent years, the government has encouraged the cultivation of millet. In restaurants, dishes made from millet are gradually appearing on the dining table, with a wide variety of dishes. Nowadays, whether it is at the state banquet in New Delhi or on the dining tables of many ordinary Indians, Xiaomi is increasingly seen.

(Source: CCTV screenshot)

According to a report by the Global Times in 2023, research shows that some ancient millet varieties in India were introduced from China.

According to legend, two kinds of millet from China in 2000 to 3000 BC were spread to ancient India through this channel. The drought-tolerant characteristics of millet are particularly suitable for the climatic characteristics of many areas in India, and it gradually took root and spread throughout the Indian subcontinent. Millets in India are also very diverse. In addition to millets imported from China, millets from Africa and many millet varieties cultivated in India can also be found here.

In the past, millet was the staple food of India’s lower-class workers. After India's independence, Xiaomi's status declined as social development and living standards improved. However, in recent years, with in-depth research on millet, the health and environmental benefits of this crop have become increasingly prominent. Nowadays, the craze of eating millet has re-emerged in India.

Data shows that India has nearly 15 million hectares of arable land planted with millet, with an annual output of more than 15 million tons, accounting for about 10% of India's total grain output.

Jimu News Comprehensive Global Times, CCTV Chinese International

(Source: Jimu News)