FEATURE
Boosting Millet Production :
ICRISAT Joins Forces with the Assam Millet Mission
The International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics ( ICRISAT ) and the Government of Assam , India , have joined forces to advance climate-resilient and nutritionally enhanced food systems through the Assam Millet Mission .
At the heart of the partnership is Assam ’ s goal of boosting the cultivation , production and consumption of three native millet crops : Finger millet ( Maruadhan ), Foxtail millet ( Kauni Dhan ), and Proso millet ( Cheena Bajra ).
Presently , millets are only cultivated across 6,000 hectares of land in 15 districts of Assam , including Nagaon , Bongaigaon , and Dhubri , contributing 97 per cent of the State ’ s millet production .
Given Assam ’ s vulnerability to floods and its ancient preference for rice over millets , there ’ s a growing imperative to transition toward diversified agriculture that incorporates resilient and nutritious millets .
Director General of ICRISAT Dr Jacqueline Hughes , lauded the partnership and hailed the Millet Mission as pioneering , particularly considering the region ’ s limited history of millet consumption .
“ As the world ’ s largest millet producer and a driving force behind the International Year of Millets 2023 , India stands at the forefront of the resurgence of millets .
“ ICRISAT is delighted to contribute its deep expertise in millet research to complement Assam ’ s visionary approach and ambitious millet value chain targets ,” said Dr Hughes .
The project will commence by introducing three millet types grown in Assam and will continue along the value chain to include :
• Empowering stakeholders through extensive training in various areas , such as farming practices , seed production , and new recipe development ;
• Developing and implementing a strategic plan to promote the marketing and export of millets and millet-based products from Assam ; and
• Developing and introducing scientifically validated nutritious millet-based recipes , ready-to-eat ( RTE ) and ready-to-cook ( RTC ) food products , adapted to local taste preferences , into the Prime Ministers ’ PM- POSHAN Scheme ( mid-day meal scheme for children in government primary and upper primary schools , and Anganwadis or government-funded child and mother care centers .
Revolutionizing Millet Cultivation ICRISAT is also collaborating with the Assam Agricultural University ( AAU ), private seed companies , and more than 7,000 smallholder farmers to enhance millet seed and associated production systems .
Researchers are utilising modern breeding and genetic tools to ensure seed purity and quality . They are also exploring new breeding materials suited for millet farming in Assam .
Nurturing Nutritional Security Dr Saikat Datta Mazumdar , Cluster Leader , Nutrition , Dietary Behavior , and Smart Food at ICRISAT , highlighted the Institute ’ s use of innovative technologies to overcome the ‘ intergenerational cycle of malnutrition ’ and enhance the nutritional values of mid-day meals at schools and supplementary nutrition meals at Anganwadi centres .
He stressed the importance of increasing awareness about the health benefits of millet and recipe preparation among mothers and Anganwadi workers in the region . He noted that these innovations will significantly benefit children and women – boosting millet consumption and food security , particularly in rural households in the State .
A Flourishing Millet Industry The newly forged partnership reflects ICRISAT ’ s unwavering dedication to enhancing the millet value chain in Assam .
This commitment encompasses evaluating market opportunities , formulating marketing and export strategies , and pinpointing consumer demographics and product offerings tailored for both local and international markets .
Dr Victor-Afari Sefa , Global Research Program Director , Enabling Systems Transformation , ICRISAT , concluded , “ ICRISAT brings a rich pool of multidisciplinary knowledge and expertise to elevate the millet value chain in Assam , towards offering significant nutritional benefits and laying the foundation for a more resilient future for the region .”
30 | November - December 2023