Residential training programme on Millets Processing and Value Addition organised

21st February 2025, Hyderabad

A 4-day (18th - 21st February 2025) residential training programme on Millets Processing and Value Addition, jointly organized by ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, and Central Agricultural University, Imphal, commenced today. The training aimed to equip 30 farmers from the North Eastern Hill (NEH) region, including Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Uttar Pradesh, with practical knowledge on millet-based processing, value addition, and entrepreneurship.

During the valedictory session, Dr C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, highlighted the importance of millet value addition in enhancing farmers’ income and promoting nutritional security. She urged the farmers to utilize the knowledge gained in the training programme to develop their own millet-based enterprises and assured continued support from ICAR-IIMR, including access to incubation facilities, technological guidance, and free seed distribution initiatives for NEH farmers.

Participants shared their training experiences, key learnings, and future plans, expressing appreciation for the comprehensive sessions on processing, packaging, branding, and marketing strategies. They highlighted the hands-on training at Nutrihub, exposure to chikki and flaking production lines, and interactive discussions with successful millet entrepreneurs and industry experts as key takeaways from the program.

As part of the initiative, free millet seed samples were distributed to participants to encourage millet cultivation in their respective regions.

The training program was coordinated by Dr Sangappa, Shri K. Srinivasa Babu, Dr Mahesh B Tengli, Dr Premaradhya, Dr Mahesh Kumar, Dr Rafi, Ms Meghana, and Ms Chandra Leka.

 Through this initiative, ICAR-IIMR reaffirms its commitment to promoting millet-based entrepreneurship and empowering farmers with the skills to enhance their livelihoods.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad)