The drought-resistant cereal millet is now undergoing a renaissance in its cultivation and consumption as an important crop in sustainable agrifood systems. Türkiye ranks high in the world as a drought-risk prone country. As climate change accelerates the frequency and severity of droughts, it is  the production of drought-tolerant crops such as millet will  help agriculture cope with future challenges. Millet reproduces with limited water resources and is drought resistant. Known as the "forgotten crop," millet is now seen as a key crop that will raise the resiliency of farmers to climate shocks, raise livelihood security of smallholders, and help ensure food security and healthy diets.

Millet is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, also contains essential micronutrient sources for human health, such as minerals and B vitamins. Since millet does not contain gluten, it is an extremely important alternative cereal for individuals with gluten intolerance.  

In the context of making agriculture more climate-smart, and as part of the events of the International Year of Millets 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized the "Antalya Millet Workshop" in Antalya, Türkiye, on 21 September in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Western Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute Directorate. As part of a series of similar events in Türkiye, the workshop shared knowledge and experiences on the cultivation, agriculture, and use of millet species to raise awareness of the product group. The workshop also provided an opportunity for agricultural experts, farmers, researchers, and relevant stakeholders to come together to evaluate the problems, production potential, marketing, and trade opportunities of millet production. In addition, representatives from relevant sectors commented on policy recommendations and national or international cooperation opportunities.