[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2023

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the United 
Nations for declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets. As the 
Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Appropriations Committee, I 
know first-hand the importance of finding a nutritional staple that has 
the potential of addressing both climate change and food insecurity in 
the near future.
  This ancient crop is a staple of food in India, where it is often 
used in porridges and as rice substitutes, or as flour to make 
flatbreads and other baked goods.
  Millets are known for being rich in dietary fiber as well as in 
potassium and protein. In fact, regular consumption of millets can 
reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity, improve cholesterol levels, 
and lower the risk of heart disease.
  Millets also can be grown on lands poor in soil quality and lacking 
in irrigation, which make them invaluable in addressing food insecurity 
across the globe. They use 70 percent less water than rice; grow in 
half the time of wheat; and need 40 percent less energy in processing. 
They are so hardy that they can even withstand temperatures up to 50 
degrees Celsius.
  India has been a leader in the production, consumption, and promotion 
of millets. In fact, India is the largest producer of millets and one 
of the world's biggest exporters of this traditional staple of Indian 
cooking.
  Not that long ago, the consumption of millets in India waned as wheat 
and rice took precedence. Now it is making a comeback as people in 
India and across the world recognize its nutritional and environmental 
value.
  Again, I want to thank the United Nations and the Government of India 
for taking up this important issue.

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