Google Arts & Culture and India's Ministry of Agriculture launch digital exhibit on millets

In collaboration with India's Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Google Arts & Culture today launched a new digital exhibit, "Millets: Seeds of Change," said Google Arts and Culture in a media release.

"The digital exhibition highlights the history of millets from ancient grains to modern-day superfoods, as well as their nutritional benefits, contribution to global climate resilience, and potential to address global food security challenges," the release added.

Launching the exhibit at Krishi Bhavan, Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said,“When India spearheaded the UNGA resolution to declare 2023 the International Year of Millets, we did so with the objective of sharing our agricultural practices and experiences with the world. We were gratified to see ‘Shree Anna’, which holds immense potential for multiplier impact - including offering India’s small farmers a doorway to prosperity - receiving interest during the global G20 Summit. Our hope and ambition is that the conversations that have been generated over the past year translate into the advantages of millets spreading farther and wider.”


Amit Sood, Director, Google Arts & Culture said, "Google Arts & Culture is dedicated to leveraging technology, offering global audiences an interactive way to engage with cultural and historical treasures that shape our world. We are proud to have worked with India’s Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to celebrate one such prime example from the ancient world that is capable of transformative impact - for the world of today and of tomorrow."

He added, "Given its long-standing versatility in addressing multiple nutritional and sustainability challenges, it is little surprise that millets are witnessing a global resurgence. We are glad to lend our technology and platform to support the growing popularity of this food group."

According to the release, the exhibit delves into the many superpowers of millets, showcasing their diverse varieties, cultivation methods, and culinary uses. "It features millet recipes from chefs like award-winner Chef Thomas Zacharias, who is leading a millet revival movement. Interactive elements like quizzes and crosswords allow visitors to test their knowledge and engage with the content in a fun and informative way.
Over the last decade, Google Arts & Culture has worked with over 100 institutions in India, to celebrate various aspects of India’s history and culture, highlighting India’s rich craftsmanship traditions, 250+ cultural monuments and architectural marvels, and assisted in the digitisation of national treasures such as the miniatures from the National Museum’s collection, all of which are available for the world to explore on Google Arts & Culture website and mobile app," the release added.