Explanation:

• Recently, government has approved 2018 as the ‘National Year of Millets’ to boost the agro-industry and production of the cereal.
• About Millets
•  It includes Jowar, Ragi, Korra, Arke, Sama, Bajra, Chena/Barr and Sanwa.
•  Agro-Climatic Condition- grows well on welldrained loamy soils, arid and semi-arid areas such as in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, etc.
•  India is the largest producer of millets followed by the African countries of Nigeria and Niger.
• Benefits of Millets
•  Less water requirement and a shorter growing period.
•  Less affected by diseases and pests, rising temperature and climate change.
•  Used as food and fodder—in mixed farming systems.
•  Intercropped with wide variety of vital crops.
•  Millets are rich in vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and has low-GI (Glycemic index) which can reduce the malnourishment and hunger problem in India.
•  Beneficial to gluten intolerant and high diabetic people.
•  It has good ability to sequester carbon. Government Initiatives for Millets
•  Integrated Cereals Development Programmes in Coarse Cereals based Cropping Systems Areas (ICDP-CC).
•  Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
•  Rainfed Area Development Programme under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
•  Extension under Public Distribution System under the National food security Act 2013, millets has been included under the PDS basket.