Millets National Media Portal
Millets National Media Portal
A worldwide scientific effort is injecting new energy into millet cultivation, aiming to strengthen food systems and climate resilience through advanced innovation and international collaboration.
Millets—ancient grains known for thriving in harsh, dry environments—are gaining recognition for their role in sustainable agriculture. In recognition of their importance, the United Nations designated 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM), spotlighting their environmental advantages and nutritional value.
To carry this momentum forward, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have joined forces to spearhead a Coordinated Research Project (CRP). Titled “Accelerated Genetic Improvement of Key Dryland Millets for Climate Change Adaptation,” the initiative is leveraging nuclear and biotechnological tools—such as mutation breeding, genomics, and gene editing—to improve four key millet types: pearl, finger, foxtail, and proso.
Currently in its second year, the project has formed a diverse alliance of research institutions and agricultural experts from across the globe, including countries like India, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, China, Sri Lanka, Namibia, and the United States. A recent gathering in Vienna allowed partners to exchange early findings and set a strategic course for the years ahead.
Utilizing state-of-the-art digital tools and cutting-edge breeding strategies, the project is focused on producing millet varieties that are more resilient to environmental stresses and offer higher nutritional quality. These innovations aim to uplift smallholder farmers and reinforce food security in regions vulnerable to climate change.
By bridging science, technology, and international cooperation, this initiative serves as a model for sustainable agricultural development and climate-smart crop solutions.
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