18 March 2026, Hyderabad
In a significant step towards advancing climate-resilient agriculture, nutritional security, and farmer empowerment, ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, celebrated the 3rd Foundation Day of the Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (GCoE–Millets – Shree Anna) at its campus. The event highlighted the transformative role of millets in strengthening sustainable food systems and improving rural livelihoods.
The programme was graced by Shri Abhay Sharma, Head of Operations (Digitalization), ICICI Foundation, as Guest of Honour, who lauded the pioneering efforts of ICAR–IIMR in transforming the millet sector through an integrated approach encompassing research, digitalization, and field-level interventions.
Dr. Sk Pradhan, Assistant Director General (FFC), ICAR, in his virtual address, appreciated the institute’s role in fostering a strong ecosystem for millet-based enterprises through support to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), promotion of value addition, and facilitation of market linkages. Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, Assistant Director General (Seeds, O & P), ICAR, who participated online, commended the institute for its contributions to strengthening seed systems, advancing research, and effectively disseminating millet technologies across the country.
Dr. Y. Venkateshwara Rao, Padma Shri Awardee from Raithu Nestham Foundation, appreciated the institute’s success in bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancements.
Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR–IIMR, highlighted the institute’s key achievements under GCoE–Millets, as well as under TSP, SCSP, and NEH programmes. She emphasized the development of improved millet varieties, promotion of value-added products, strengthening of FPOs, and effective linkage of farmers with technologies and markets, which have contributed to enhanced income and resilience to climate variability.
Messages of appreciation were conveyed by Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, and Dr. D. K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, acknowledging the institute’s contributions to millet research and development.
During the programme, publications and innovative technologies developed by ICAR–IIMR were unveiled. Awards were presented to recognize excellence in millet research and promotion. Farmer Producer Organizations from Tekmal, Dundubi, and Balanagar were felicitated for their exemplary contributions to strengthening the millet value chain. The Accounts and Finance Section received the Best Employee Award, and scientists involved in the development of new millet varieties were also honoured for their significant achievements.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the commercialization of value-added millet technologies was signed, marking an important step towards strengthening industry linkages and promoting millet-based enterprises.
The dignitaries unanimously appreciated the role of the Global Centre of Excellence on Millets in strengthening the millet ecosystem and emphasized its contribution to enhancing farmers’ income, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring nutritional security.
(Source: ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad)
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