Millets Processing Unit Inaugurated at KVK-II, Sitapur under ICAR–IIMR’s GCoEM Project

A Major Step Towards Strengthening the Millet Value Chain, Nutrition Security and Rural Entrepreneurship

11 November 2025, Sitapur

A Millets Processing Unit was inaugurated at KVK-II, Sitapur under the Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (GCoEM) project supported by ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad. The new facility aims to boost millet processing, value addition and rural entrepreneurship in the district. The initiative was realised through the guidance and support of Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR–IIMR, along with other senior officials.

Dr. Shantanu Kumar Dubey, Director, ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone III, Kanpur, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and highlighted the importance of millet-based enterprises for ensuring nutritional and livelihood security.

Eminent experts including addressed the gathering on post-harvest technologies, millet value chain development and climate-resilient farming practices.

District officials commended the initiative for its potential to empower smallholder farmers, rural youth and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

The Senior Scientist & Head expressed gratitude to ICAR–IIMR and noted that the facility will serve as a hub for skill development, demonstrations and entrepreneurship promotion. Scientists from KVK highlighted the diverse applications of millets, including their role in animal nutrition, farmer training and extension, recipe and product development, soil health enhancement, improved cultivation practices and integration with horticultural systems.

The newly established millet processing unit is expected to significantly strengthen the millet value chain in Sitapur by reducing post-harvest losses, enabling market-driven value addition and promoting sustainable livelihoods, thereby contributing to the national millet development mission.

(Source: ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad)