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Celebration of the International Year of Millets at Embassy of India, Antananarivo on 20 July 2023.

Posted on: August 04, 2023 | Back | Print

Press Release

     The Embassy organized an event to celebrate the International Year of Millets in Antananarivo on 20 July 2023, which was graced by the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Madagascar H.E. Mr. Harifidy Ramilison ,  Minister of Public Health H.E. Mr. Zely Arivelo and Deputy  Representative of FAO (The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)  in Madagascar Mr. Aloys Nigiziyimana. It was also attended by around 80 people including Members of National Assembly Mrs.Fiainantsoa Razaiharimalala and Mr. Nicolas Randrimisa,  Director General of National Center of Research Applied to Rural Development Mr.  Aimé Lala Razafinjara, Secretary General of Chamber of Agriculture of Antananarivo Mr. Fidy Andriamamonjy, Spouse of German Ambassador Mrs. Marie Thérèse Häusler and Members of Indian Community.

 2.  In his speech, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Madagascar said that with about 15,000 tons of production last year, millets are emerging as a pillar for food and nutritional security of Madagascar, especially in the drought-prone regions of Southern Madagascar.  He also thanked the Embassy and FAO for their efforts to promote millets in Madagascar and promised to work closely to further intensity millet cultivation in Madagascar.


3.Deputy  Representative of FAO in Madagascar Mr. Aloys Nigiziyimana noted the significant contribution of millets to food security in Southern Madagascar but said that low yields and lack of investment remain bottlenecks for millet cultivation in Madagascar. He also noted the ongoing research collaboration between FAO and ICRISAT (The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics)  to further improve millets  to withstand extreme climatic conditions. He also promised to support the efforts of the Government of Madagascar to improve the food and nutritional security of its population.

4. Ambassador Bandaru Wilsonbabu thanked the the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Madagascar and other dignitaries for their support towards promotion of millets and reiterated India's commitment to share its developmental experience and expertise as per the needs and requirements of Madagascar.  He also mentioned that India will work closely with the Government of Madagascar and other partners to develop the capacity for millet cultivation across Madagascar, especially the drought-prone regions of Southern Madagascar. The event also witnessed a presentation on millets by Embassy's Teacher of Indian Culture and also the screening of a short video on India's efforts to promote millets. A millet lunch was also organized on the occasion, with the assistance of local Indian Community.

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