The AICRP on Sorghum and Millets & ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, in collaboration with the College of Forestry, Ponnampet, UAS, Mandya, established a Millet Bakery and Millet Roti Units at the Kodagu Agribusiness Incubation Centre of the campus. An awareness cum Millets training program organized to women members to enhance the millets utilisation. This initiative under TSP component of AICRP- Sorghum & Millets, is an innovative step toward promoting the consumption of nutritious millet-based foods among forestry college students, farmers while demonstrating practical millet value-addition technologies through an incubation-driven entrepreneurial environment.
The unit was initiated to integrate millet-based diets into hostel kitchens and provide students with healthier and nutrient-rich alternatives as part of their daily meals. With the efforts of Dr. Laxmi Balaganoormath, Assistant Professor & Principal Investigator of the project began by supplying Jowar rotis to hostel students during lunch. Encouraged by the positive response and increasing popularity among students, the initiative rapidly expanded its product portfolio to include finger millet cakes, millet biscuits, millet chikkis, and a variety of millet-based baked snacks. These products are made using millets, ensuring high nutritional value, freshness, and support for regional agriculture.
Beyond the hostel community, the Millet Bakery and Roti Unit at the Kodagu Agribusiness Incubation Centre has added broader value to the campus ecosystem. It provides hands-on training opportunities and skill development in millet processing, baking, and entrepreneurship for students and aspiring agripreneurs. The initiative also ensures a steady demand for local millet growers, thereby strengthening the local value chain and supporting climate-resilient agriculture. Furthermore, this incubation-based model serves as a demonstration platform for schools, community organizations, FPOs, and enterprises interested in adopting millet-based food systems.
Through the strong partnership between AICRP on Sorghum & Millets, ICAR–IIMR, Hyderabad, and the College of Forestry, Ponnampet, this initiative has become a role model for nutrition-focused and sustainability-driven food interventions in educational institutions. The Millet Bakery and Roti Unit is not only nourishing young minds and bodies but also fostering a culture of innovation, self-reliance, and community well-being powered by the simple strength of millets.
(Source: ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad)
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