NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Indian government is establishing a groundbreaking Global Centre of Excellence on Millets in Hyderabad with a significant investment of Rs. 250 crore. This initiative, part of PM Shree Anna Yojana, aims to transform millet research, seed development, and agricultural entrepreneurship. The centre will provide advanced research facilities, support farmer training, and promote value-added product marketing. By focusing on genetic conservation and crop improvement, the project seeks to enhance food security and nutritional outcomes for Indian farmers.

Key Points: Modi's Rs 250 Crore Millets Centre Launches in Hyderabad

  • Global centre aims to boost millet research and cultivation
  • Establishing world-class research laboratories and skill development centres
  • Focuses on genetic conservation and crop improvement strategies
  • Supports agricultural entrepreneurship and start-up ecosystem
2 min read

Global Centre of Excellence on Millets to come up in Hyderabad

Groundbreaking Global Millets Centre set to revolutionize agricultural research, seed development, and farmer empowerment in Telangana

"The new Global Centre of Excellence will enhance ongoing research efforts - G. Kishan Reddy"

Hyderabad, May 23

A Global Centre of Excellence on Millets will come up at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) in Hyderabad, it was announced on Friday.

The Centre has sanctioned Rs. 250 crore to establish for the purpose, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy said.

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to Kishan Reddy that the Central government has sanctioned the funds to establish the Global Centre of Excellence.

According to Kishan Reddy, this initiative is a part of PM Shree Anna Yojana (Millets) that encourages the production and consumption of millets to achieve food and nutritional security for a healthy India.

"The new Global Centre of Excellence will enhance the ongoing research efforts at IIMR by establishing world-class facilities including research laboratories, skill development centres and outreach hubs. High-quality seeds will be provided, especially to farmers in Telangana to boost millet cultivation. The Centre will also offer regular training for farmers, support for value-added product marketing and encourage start-ups in this sector," Kishan Reddy posted on 'X'.

Kishan Reddy, who is also the state BJP President, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shivraj Singh Chouhan on behalf of the people of Telangana. He said that this initiative will be of immense benefit to the state's farmers.

Agriculture Minister Chouhan, in his letter, mentioned the major objectives of the Centre of Excellence. These include establishing global germplasm medium-term storage facility to strengthen millets gene bank for conservation, trait-specific characterisation, and utilisation of millet biodiversity for crop improvement. This will be a global technology innovation centre for trait, seed and crop improvement of millets for enhancing yield and productivity.

The Centre of Excellence will serve as a nutri-cereal analytical, food safety and quality assurance national laboratory for millets and also as a global centre of excellence for the millet value chain for entrepreneurship, incubation and start-up nurturing.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is fantastic news! Millets are our traditional superfoods that got neglected over time. With this center, our farmers will get better seeds and techniques. Hope they also focus on creating market demand so farmers get good prices. Jai Kisan! 🌾
P
Priya M.
As someone who switched to millets for health reasons, I'm thrilled! But the government must ensure affordability. Right now, millet products are 2-3 times costlier than rice/wheat in supermarkets. The center should work on making them accessible to common people.
S
Sanjay V.
250 crores is a big investment. Hope it's utilized properly without corruption. They should involve agricultural universities across India so benefits reach all states, not just Telangana. Millets can be game-changer for drought-prone regions.
A
Ananya R.
My grandmother used to make the most delicious ragi mudde and bajra rotis. Glad we're finally recognizing the value of these climate-resilient crops. The skill development centers should also teach modern millet recipes to attract youth! #BackToRoots
K
Karthik N.
Good initiative but implementation is key. Previous millet schemes didn't reach small farmers properly. Hope this center coordinates with state governments and FPOs to ensure last-mile delivery. The focus on start-ups is promising though!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50