Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar addressed the high commissioner/ Ambassador at the pre-launch celebration of the IYOM 2023. He said, “The Government of India has invested Rs 6.25 crore in 66 agritech startups to encourage the consumption of millet in the country.”

The Union Minister also mentioned that 25 startups have also been approved for further funding. He highlighted that the funding is being done by the ministry to support sustainable production, create awareness for higher consumption, to develop market and value chain and research-development activities.

The funding also aims to support startups in research and development. It will also help startup entrepreneurs with recipes and value-added products to promote millet consumption.

According to the media reports India has more than 500 startups working in the millet value-added chain. The Indian Institute of Millets Research has incubated 250 startups under RKVY-Raftar.

The Minister highlighted that the IYOM 2023 will raise awareness about the importance of millet in food security and nutrition. He added that millets are a climate-friendly crop that can even be grown in drought-hit areas.