The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), a joint undertaking of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has lauded India’s efforts in standardizing millet grains. At its 46th session held in Rome, Italy, the CAC unanimously endorsed India’s proposal to develop global standards for five types of millets – Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet, and Little millet – as group standards, similar to the existing standards for pulses.
This endorsement is a significant achievement for India, as it recognizes the country’s leadership in promoting millets as a sustainable and nutritious food source. Millets, often referred to as “superfoods,” are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, iron, and calcium. They are also climate-resilient crops, making them ideal for sustainable agriculture practices.
India’s initiative to develop comprehensive millet standards is a crucial step towards promoting the global consumption of these nutrient-rich grains. With the CAC’s endorsement, India will now initiate work on the submission of project documents and development of draft standards for these five types of millets. The group standards on millets framed by FSSAI for 15 types of millets, which specify eight quality parameters, will act as an important foundation for the development of global standards.
The existing Codex standards for Sorghum and Pearl millet would also be reviewed while making the group standards for millets.
The CAC’s endorsement of India’s millet standards is expected to facilitate international trade and promote the adoption of these grains worldwide. This recognition is a testament to India’s leadership in promoting millets as a global food security solution.
With the growing recognition of millets as a global food security solution, India’s efforts to standardize these grains are poised to have a significant impact on global food systems. The CAC’s endorsement of India’s millet standards is a notable achievement for the country and a step towards a healthier and more sustainable future for global food production and consumption.