G20 MACS meeting in Varanasi to feature the MAHARISHI Initiative
Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) of G20 countries is being held in Varanasi on 17-19 April. The ‘MAHARISHI Initiative’ has been launched by India during this meeting.
Objective of meeting of agricultural scientists of G20 countries
- The meeting of leading agricultural scientists in the G20 is helpful in promoting joint action to deliver science-based solutions to achieve sustainable, resilient and profitable agri-food systems.
- It provides a good platform for discussion, deliberation and exchange of knowledge, science and technologies for food and nutrition security and to strengthen cooperation among G20 countries.
MAHARISHI Initiative
- The meeting will include the MAHARISHI Initiative ie “Millets And Other Ancient Grains International Research”.
- This international initiative will focus on research and awareness regarding agro-biodiversity, food security and nutrition, coinciding with the International Millet Year 2023.
- The initiative will focus on research and awareness regarding agricultural biodiversity, food security and nutrition, coinciding with the International Year of Millets 2023.
International Year of Millets
- It may be noted that India’s proposal to celebrate the International Year of Millets in the year 2023 was approved by the Food and Agriculture Organization in the year 2018, and the United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Nutritious Cereals.
- It was adopted by a UN resolution and led by India and supported by more than 70 countries.
- Nutrigrain is a collective term that refers to a number of small-seeded crops cultivated as a food crop mainly on marginal lands in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions and arid regions.
- Some of the common millets available in India include Ragi (Finger Millet), Jowar (Sorghum), Sama (Small Millet), Bajra (Pearl Millet) and Variga (Proso Millet).
Source – PIB
