Will a Global Centre of Excellence on Millets be Established in Hyderabad?
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Synopsis
Exciting news from Hyderabad! The establishment of a Global Centre of Excellence on Millets at IIMR promises to revolutionize millet research and cultivation in India. With a funding boost of Rs. 250 crore, this initiative aims to enhance food security and support farmers, ensuring a healthier future for all.
Key Takeaways
- Global Centre of Excellence on Millets established
- Rs. 250 crore funding from the Central government
- Located at ICAR-IIMR in Hyderabad
- Part of PM Shree Anna Yojana
- Focus on food and nutritional security
Hyderabad, May 23 (NationPress) A Global Centre of Excellence on Millets is set to be established at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) in Hyderabad, as announced on Friday.
The Central government has allocated Rs. 250 crore for this initiative, as stated by Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy.
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has communicated with Kishan Reddy regarding the funding approval for the establishment of the Global Centre of Excellence.
According to Kishan Reddy, this initiative is part of the PM Shree Anna Yojana (Millets), which promotes the production and consumption of millets to ensure food and nutritional security for a healthier India.
The newly established Global Centre of Excellence will significantly bolster ongoing research at IIMR by creating world-class facilities such as research laboratories, skill development centres, and outreach hubs. It will provide high-quality seeds, particularly to farmers in Telangana, to enhance millet cultivation. Additionally, the Centre will offer ongoing training for farmers, assistance in marketing value-added products, and stimulate start-ups in this domain,” Kishan Reddy posted on ‘X’.
Kishan Reddy, also the state BJP President, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shivraj Singh Chouhan on behalf of the people of Telangana, noting that this initiative will greatly benefit the state’s farmers.
Agriculture Minister Chouhan, in his correspondence, outlined the key objectives of the Centre of Excellence. These include creating a global germplasm medium-term storage facility to enhance the millet gene bank for conservation, trait-specific characterization, and the utilization of millet biodiversity for crop improvement. This will serve as a global technology innovation centre focusing on trait, seed, and crop improvement of millets to boost yield and productivity.
The Centre of Excellence will function as a nutri-cereal analytical, food safety, and quality assurance national laboratory for millets and will also act as a global centre of excellence for the millet value chain, fostering entrepreneurship, incubation, and nurturing start-ups.
Point of View
The establishment of the Global Centre of Excellence on Millets in Hyderabad stands as a crucial step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. By focusing on millet cultivation, the initiative aligns with the broader goals of promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting farmers across the nation. It reflects a commitment to leveraging research and innovation for the betterment of the agricultural sector.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Global Centre of Excellence on Millets?
The Centre aims to enhance research, support farmers, and promote millet cultivation to achieve food and nutritional security in India.
How much funding has been allocated for this initiative?
The Central government has sanctioned Rs. 250 crore for the establishment of the Global Centre of Excellence.
Where will the Global Centre of Excellence be located?
It will be established at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) in Hyderabad.
What facilities will the Centre provide?
The Centre will offer world-class research laboratories, skill development centres, outreach hubs, and training for farmers.
How will this initiative benefit farmers?
Farmers will receive high-quality seeds, training, support for value-added product marketing, and encouragement for start-ups in the millet sector.
