Question

'Year 2023' is being celebrated as the "International Year of Millets" by UN. Which one is not true about the millets in India ?

• A. India accounts for 80 per cent of Asia's and 20 per cent of global millets production.
• B. India has a lower average yield of millets as compared to world average yield.
• C. Under the NFSM, a sub-mission on nutri-cereals is being implemented since 2018-19 in 212 districts of 14 States.
• D. India has more than 500 start-ups working in the millet value chains.

Hint:

Millets are often referred to as "Nutri-Cereals" due to their high nutritional content.
Remember that India's domestic yield averages slightly exceed the world average due to intensive cultivation practices and high-yielding varieties introduced by ICAR.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) following a proposal by the Government of India.
This initiative aims to increase global awareness of the nutritional, climate-resilient, and ecological benefits of millets.
Understanding India's production statistics, yield comparisons, policy frameworks, and market development is essential to evaluate the country's performance.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement individually to determine its correctness:
1. Statement 1: India is indeed the leading producer of millets in Asia and a major contributor globally.
It accounts for approximately 80% of Asia's production and around 20% of total global production.
Therefore, Statement 1 is true.
2. Statement 2: The average yield of millets in India is around 1,239 kg/ha, which is slightly higher than the global average of about 1,229 kg/ha.
Thus, the assertion that India has a lower average yield than the world average is incorrect.
Therefore, Statement 2 is not true.
3. Statement 3: Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), a dedicated Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals (Millets) was introduced in 2018-19.
It is currently implemented in 212 districts across 14 major millet-growing states to boost cultivation, processing, and consumption.
Therefore, Statement 3 is true.
4. Statement 4: To support the millet ecosystem, the government has actively promoted entrepreneurship.
There are indeed more than 500 start-ups working in the millet value chain, supported by institutions like the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR).
Therefore, Statement 4 is true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Since Statement 2 is incorrect, it is the correct choice for the statement that is "not true".