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India was praised for leading the development of Codex group standards for whole millet grains at the 88th Executive Committee session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) held at FAO headquarters in Rome, July 2025.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) | A global body created by FAO & WHO in 1963 to develop international food standards and protect consumer health. |
| Codex Alimentarius | A set of food safety and trade standards adopted by CAC, covering hygiene, additives, residues, labelling, etc. |
| SPS Agreement | WTO agreement ensuring that food safety measures don’t act as disguised trade restrictions. |
| Millets (Shree Anna) | Nutritious, climate-resilient cereal grains used in sustainable farming; high in protein, gluten-free, and suitable for diabetics. |
News Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| India’s Contribution | Led Codex standards for whole millets, supported Codex Trust Fund, and promoted SMART KPIs in strategic planning (2026–2031). |
| CAC Participation | India is an active member since 1964, chairs Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs, and now co-chairs standards for turmeric and broccoli. |
| Global Recognition | India’s millet push at Codex reflects its leadership during the International Year of Millets (2023). |
India’s Role in Millet Promotion
| Focus Area | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Production | Largest global producer – 38.4% share, 15.38 million tonnes over 12.19 million hectares (FY24). |
| Key Crops | Sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), finger millet (ragi), foxtail, barnyard, kodo, proso. |
| Top States | Rajasthan, UP, Karnataka, Maharashtra. |
| Exports | 1.46 lakh MT in FY24; earned USD 70.89 million. Export markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA, Japan, Nepal. |
FSSAI Standards for Millets (2023)
| Parameter Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Standardized Types | 15 millet varieties covered. |
| Quality Metrics (8) | Moisture, uric acid, extraneous matter, edible grains, defects, weevilled grains, immature & shriveled grains. |
Government Schemes & Initiatives
| Initiative | Objective |
|---|---|
| PLISMBP (2022–2027) | PLI for companies making RTE/RTC millet products with ≥15% content. |
| Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals (NFSM) | Supports seed production, improved practices, and farmer training in 28 States & 2 UTs. |
| Nutrition Programs | Millets included under TPDS, ICDS, Mid-Day Meal, Poshan Abhiyan. |
| Eat Right Campaign | Promotes millet-rich diets by FSSAI. |
| RKVY | Allows States to fund millet missions based on local needs. |
In a nutshell
Memory Code – “C-O-D-E-X”
- C – Codex Standards Led by India
- O – Output Leadership in Millet Production
- D – Dietary Benefits: Gluten-Free, Nutritious
- E – Export Growth and Global Reach
- X – X-factor in Sustainable Agriculture
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which international organization oversees the Codex Alimentarius Commission?
A) WTO
B) FAO and WHO
C) UNEP
D) UNDP - Which of the following is not a quality parameter in FSSAI’s millet group standards?
A) Uric acid content
B) Fibre content
C) Moisture content
D) Immature grains - Which Indian state is the top producer of millets as of FY24?
A) Karnataka
B) Maharashtra
C) Rajasthan
D) Uttar Pradesh
Mains Questions
- Discuss India’s role in global millet standardization and how it enhances the country’s agricultural diplomacy. 10 Marks (GS2 – International Institutions, GS3 – Agriculture)
- How can the promotion of millets contribute to sustainable agriculture and nutrition security in India? 10 Marks (GS3 – Food Security, Environment)
Answer Key – Prelims
| Q.No | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | CAC is jointly established by FAO and WHO. |
| 2 | B | Fibre content is not among the 8 FSSAI-listed parameters. |
| 3 | C | Rajasthan is the largest producer by area and output. |
