Invitation for Virtual BSM on Promotion of Indian Millets

       The High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) are jointly organizing virtual BSM on Promotion of Indian Millets between India and Malaysia. The event will be scheduled on 22nd December, 2022 (Thursday) at 1600 – 1700 Hrs.

       The United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2023 “International Year of Millets”. Government of India is also undertaking numerous activities to promote millets and their nutritional benefits. Millet are the the powerhouse of nutrients as it is low in glycemic index and no gluten as compared to rice and wheat. Thus, it will an ideal choice for those with diabetes and celiac diseases. In addition, millet has superior micronutrient profile and bioactive flavonoids as compared to other cereal that has beneficial effect on the management and prevention of hyperlipidemia and risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

       Indian millets are a group of nutritiously rich and are also known as "coarse cereals" or "cereals of the poor". Indian Millets are nutritionally superior to wheat and rice as they are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. They are also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them ideal for people with celiac disease or diabetes, preventing hyperlipidemia and risk of CVD and help to reduce weight, BMI and high blood pressure.

       World export of millet has boost from $400 million in 2020 to $470 million in 2021 and India exported millet worth $64.28 million in the year 2021-22 against $59.75 million in 2020-21 and currently, India is among top 5 exporters of millet in the world. Product range is diverse including not just whole grains, but processed food including cookies, cereals, snacks, ready to eat products etc. As complementary of the India - Malaysia economies offer broad possibilities for cooperation between the two countries, millet products sector is one such area with immense potential.

      To explore the more opportunities for further strengthening trade in this important sector, a Virtual Buyer Seller Meet is scheduled on 22nd December 2022 at 1600 – 1700 hrs. The proposed platform will provide the participants with information regarding tariffs, challenges and opportunities in Malaysia and India and can act as an ice breaker in terms of meeting between buyers and sellers digitally.

Key objectives are:

• Building Trade Connect in Indian Millet and its products
• Widening Market Base of Indian Millet and its products
• Understanding the preferences of Malaysian importers
• Forging new trade linkages.

      The scope of the meet is to understand the current business scenario with regards to Millet and conduct discussions between the traders/ exporters/ importers of countries, so as to initiate dialogue, explore trade opportunities and project India as a viable sourcing destination.

Program Format

      A panel discussion will be a webinar constituting of 2 groups vis-à-vis prominent buyers / sellers from Malaysia and buyers/ sellers from India. The webinar will be however open to all for viewing.

VBSM Link

Proposed Program:

• Welcome Address by Chairman, APEDA
• Special Address by the High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, H.E. Shri. B.N. Reddy
• Address by MATRADE, MAICCI, KLSICCI and CIIM.
• Promotion of Indian Millets by APEDA, including 5 to 7 Slides Short presentation on APEDA, its activities and import/ export of Agricultural and Processed Food Products
• Introduction by Moderator of all speakers, setting the tone for discussion and expectations from the meeting
• Moderator to initiate a panel discussion and ask questions to both Counterparts from Malaysia and India with some curated questions
• Q & A session between members of both the countries
• Vote of Thanks

      A registration form is attached herewith for those under your acquaintance, who viz retailers/ traders/ importer/ exporters etc are interested in participating this Meet, may please write to the Commerce Wing of the High Commission at com2.kl@mea.gov.in. Registration is open till 1700 hrs 20th December 2022.

e-Flyer of VBSM

Link of Registration Form

e-catalogue of Millet Products