ICAR-IIMR Advances Millet Research and Industry Collaboration for New Varieties

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research held an important industry meeting today as part of the Crop Specific Consortium Research Platform. This event focused on advancing the development and promotion of pearl millet, sorghum, and small millets. Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, the Director of ICAR-IIMR, played a pivotal role in the discussions, sharing valuable insights into current research initiatives.

Participants included representatives from various industry partners who toured the millet demonstration field. This hands-on experience allowed them to explore a range of new varieties and advanced germplasm, providing a critical opportunity to assess how these innovations can be applied in real-world farming situations.

Following the field visit, breeders presented their latest research findings on materials ready for commercialization. They offered detailed information on various types of sorghum, including kharif sorghum, sweet sorghum, high-biomass sorghum, brown midrib sorghum, and scented sorghum. Additionally, advancements in grain and forage pearl millet, finger millet, little millet, and kodo millet were highlighted. A significant introduction was the pearl millet 4k mid-density SNP chip, which is expected to enhance breeding programs through more precise selection.

A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement. This agreement will facilitate the licensing of the newly developed millet varieties and support the creation of value-added millet products. This collaboration represents an important step in strengthening partnerships between research institutions and the industry, ultimately aimed at improving millet farming practices and boosting productivity in this vital sector.

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