Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR)

 

• Establishment and Mandate: The Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR) is a premier agricultural research institute dedicated to the research and development of millets in India. It was established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1958 with the mandate of enhancing millet production, productivity, and utilization.
• Research Focus Areas: IIMR conducts research across various aspects of millet cultivation, including breeding, agronomy, pest and disease management, post-harvest technologies, value addition, and nutritional enhancement. The institute's research aims to improve millet varieties, production techniques, and processing methods to benefit farmers and consumers.
• Varietal Development: One of the primary objectives of IIMR is to develop high-yielding and resilient millet varieties suited to diverse agro-climatic conditions across India. Through conventional breeding as well as modern biotechnological approaches, IIMR scientists work to create millet varieties with improved yield potential, disease resistance, and nutritional quality.
• Sustainable Agriculture: IIMR emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices for millet cultivation, including conservation agriculture, organic farming, and integrated pest management (IPM). These practices aim to enhance soil health, conserve water, and minimize environmental impact while ensuring the productivity and profitability of millet farming systems.
• Nutritional Enhancement: Recognizing the nutritional significance of millets, IIMR focuses on enhancing the nutritional quality of millet-based foods. Research initiatives include fortification of millet grains with micronutrients, development of value-added millet products, and promotion of millet-based dietary interventions to address malnutrition and improve public health.
• Technology Transfer and Extension: IIMR collaborates with various stakeholders, including farmers, extension agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector partners, to facilitate the adoption of improved millet technologies and practices. Extension activities such as training programs, field demonstrations, and farmer field schools help disseminate knowledge and empower millet farmers with relevant skills and information.
• International Collaboration: IIMR engages in collaborative research and knowledge exchange with international organizations, research institutions, and universities to leverage global expertise and resources for millet research and development. Collaborative initiatives enhance the institute's capacity for innovation, technology transfer, and addressing global challenges related to millets and food security.
• Policy Support and Advocacy: IIMR provides scientific inputs and recommendations to policymakers for formulating policies and programs related to millet cultivation, marketing, and consumption. The institute advocates for policies that promote millets as sustainable, nutritious, and climate-resilient crops, contributing to food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.
• Public Outreach and Awareness: IIMR conducts outreach activities to raise awareness about the nutritional, economic, and environmental benefits of millets among various stakeholders, including consumers, policymakers, and the media. Public awareness campaigns, workshops, seminars, and media engagements promote the importance of millets in diversified and healthy diets.
• Capacity Building: IIMR invests in building human and institutional capacities for millet research, education, and extension. The institute offers training programs, fellowships, and scholarships to scientists, students, and extension professionals to develop their skills and expertise in millet science and technology.