The High Commission of India, Abuja celebrated Millets Food Festival & Cooking Competition on Saturday, 28th January, 2023, at the Chancery premises, Diplomatic Zone, Abuja Nigeria in the presence in the members of Indian community, Nigerian dignitaries, and friends from the media.
According to a statement from the Indian High Commission, Abuja, “around 400 people participated in the event. A high-Level Indian Delegation led by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Mr. Abhilaksh Likhi travelled to Abuja to participate in the event, taking South South Collaboration and Cooperation on Millets with Nigeria to next stage.
“The High Commission of India in Abuja organised this event in collaboration with the Niger State as a part of Nigeria Millet Initiative. H.E HRH Alh. Dr Yahaya Abubaker, Etsu Nupe & Chairman, Nigeria Millet Initiatives, H.E. Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, Secretary to the Government of Niger State, H.E Abubakar G. Abdullahi, Director Federal Department of Agriculture, Nigeria, Several Ambassadors, Traditional Rulers participated in the event.
“H.E HRH Alh. Dr Yahaya Abubaker, Mr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Secretary, Director Federal Department of Agriculture and High Commissioner gave their remarks on the occasion.
“In his brief remarks High Commissioner mentioned that, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets and this was proposed by India and supported by over 70 nations.
“The International Year of Millets stands to provide a unique opportunity to increase global production, ensure efficient processing and consumption, promote a better utilization of crop rotations, and encourage better connectivity throughout food systems to promote millets as a key component of the food basket.
“Millets are among the first plants to be domesticated and are considered “nutri-cereals” due to their high nutritional content. They have served as a traditional staple for hundreds of millions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia for 7000 years, and are now cultivated across the world.
“On this occasion several restaurants put up their stalls and served food (prepared with millets) to the participants to promote the millets.
“Several exhibitions from IITA, ICRISAT, Niger State, Farmers Association of Nigeria and Nigerian Export Promotion Council also participated in the event.
“Apart from this showcase many partner organisations put up their food stalls including stall of Niger State Showcasing Niger State Cuisine.
“A cooking competition was also organised by the High Commission of India in which 16 participants took part.
“Spouses of the Ambassadors of South Korea, Indonesia, Czech Republic, IITA Nutrition Expert and Chef of Johnwood Hotel were the jury of the competition.
“Several cultural performances from Niger State artists and from Federal Ministry of Information and Culture were also the part of the event today (28th January 2023).