24 February 2026, Hyderabad
Reinforcing its commitment to farmer empowerment, the ICAR – Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, inaugurated a Custom Hiring Centre (CHC) and Farmers’ Advisory Services Kiosk at the Tekmal Mandal Farmers Producer Cooperative Society on 24 February 2026, with support from the ICICI Foundation. The initiative aims to improve access to farm mechanization and scientific advisory services for small and marginal farmers. In its initial phase, it is expected to benefit approximately 500–700 member farmers, with potential expansion to surrounding villages.
The CHC addresses the growing demand for mechanization within Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by enabling collective access to advanced agricultural machinery that individual farmers often cannot afford. The facility will support timely farm operations, reduce labour dependency and drudgery, lower cultivation costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Mechanization is also expected to promote crop diversification particularly the expansion of millet cultivation and other climate-resilient crops—thereby improving farm sustainability and income opportunities.
The facilities were formally inaugurated by Dr. Srinivasa Babu, Senior Scientist, and Dr. Sangappa, Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator (FPO Projects), ICAR-IIMR, in the presence of representatives from ICICI Foundation, FPO NEST, FPO Board Members, women Self-Help Group members, and local stakeholders.
Alongside the CHC, a CropSync-enabled Farmers’ Advisory Services Kiosk has been established to deliver real-time digital advisory support. Services include scientific cultivation practices, crop planning, pest and disease management, weather-based advisories, and market intelligence. This integrated model combining mechanization with digital extension services is expected to strengthen FPO service delivery, improve farmer decision-making, and enhance livelihood outcomes.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries emphasized that convergence of mechanization and advisory systems creates a holistic development ecosystem for farmers. They noted that such initiatives function as continuous learning platforms, offering technical guidance, capacity building, and enterprise development support to the farming community.
The Custom Hiring Centre is equipped with a wide range of agricultural machinery and millet processing equipment supporting activities from harvesting to value addition. Key equipment includes a combine harvester, tractor, millet baler, ragi thresher-cum-pearler, and millet cleaner-cum-pearler (dehusker) for efficient primary processing.
To promote value addition and agribusiness development, the CHC also houses a millet rava maker-cum-grader, pulveriser, ribbon flour blender, roaster, and vibro separator. These facilities enable grading, roasting, flour blending, and preparation of millet raw materials, thereby supporting FPO-led processing, product development, and improved marketability.
This initiative reflects IIMR’s continued commitment to empowering farmers through integrated interventions that combine technology, infrastructure, capacity building, and market linkages. By promoting and strengthening FPOs, IIMR is facilitating access to mechanization, processing technologies, advisory services, and enterprise development support, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural growth and improved rural livelihoods.
Approximately 120 farmers attended the programme, marking a significant milestone for the FPO.
(Source: ICAR – Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad)
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