Launched on 26 October 2023 at the Firca auditorium in Abidjan in the presence of the Indian ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, the Ministry of State for Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production and several producers, the celebration of the International Year of Millet will end on 7 and 8 December 2023 in Ferkéssédougou, in the north of Côte d’Ivoire.
The celebrations will feature a range of activities, including workshops, sports (fitness and maracana), a culinary competition, sales exhibitions and a caravan that will criss-cross the streets of Ferkéssedougou to raise awareness of millet production and consumption.
The cultivation and consumption of millet is of crucial importance in the current context of the quest for food sustainability. As a robust and resilient cereal, millet adapts well to difficult climatic conditions, and can offer food security to communities facing the challenges of climate change. Its exceptional nutritional value, rich in fibre, protein and nutrients, makes it an essential part of a balanced diet. Growing millet also helps to preserve biodiversity and conserve natural resources. By adopting millet farming and making it part of our daily diet, we are helping to strengthen agricultural resilience and promote healthy, sustainable and environmentally-friendly food.