19 May 2026, Hyderabad
At a time when agriculture is facing increasing challenges from climate variability, nutritional insecurity, and declining natural resources, scientists and policymakers from across the country gathered at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, to deliberate on the future of millet research and sustainable farming systems during the Combined Annual Group Meeting of ICAR-AICRPs on Pearl Millet (61st AGM), Sorghum (56th AGM), and Small Millets (37th AGM). The programme was organized from 18 –20 May 2026 and the inaugural session was held on 19 May 2026 at UAS, Dharwad.
The national-level programme, jointly organized by UAS Dharwad and ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (Shree Anna), has brought together nearly 200 scientists, researchers and technical experts from across the country to deliberate on future strategies for millet improvement, sustainable production, and value-addition technologies.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest, Dr D. K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, underlined the growing significance of coordinated millet research in the present agricultural scenario. He noted that scientific advancements in crop improvement, resource-use efficiency, and stress tolerance are essential for building resilient farming systems in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Presiding over the inaugural session, Dr P. L. Patil, Vice-Chancellor, UAS Dharwad, remarked that Karnataka continues to remain at the forefront of millet research, cultivation, and innovation. He highlighted the sustained efforts of UAS Dharwad and ICAR-IIMR in developing farmer-centric technologies, improved varieties, and value-added millet products that are contributing towards both nutritional well-being and economic empowerment of farming communities.
Dr S. K. Pradhan, Assistant Director General (FFC), ICAR, emphasized the importance of strengthening coordinated millet research programmes to meet future food, fodder, and nutritional demands.
Dr Ashok S. Sajjan, Director, Research, UAS Dharwad, emphasized the role of coordinated millet research programmes in addressing future agricultural and nutritional challenges.
Dr (Mrs.) C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad, stated that the global attention received after the International Year of Millets has created unprecedented opportunities for millet-based enterprises, FPOs, startups, and food industries.
During the session, annual research progress and major achievements under Pearl Millet, Sorghum, and Small Millet improvement programmes for the year 2025–26 were presented.
The programme also featured the release of technical publications, recognition of outstanding research centres and felicitation of retiring scientists for their contributions to millet research. The three-day meeting will further deliberate on advanced research strategies related to crop improvement, production technologies, value addition, and future priorities for millet development in the country.
(Source: ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad)
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