ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad Empowers Odisha Agricultural Officers with Advanced Skills in Millet Production, Processing and Value Addition

11 September 2026, Hyderabad

With the objective of strengthening field-level extension services and equipping agricultural officers with practical knowledge to advance millet cultivation and value addition, ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (Shree Anna) conducted a four-day training programme on “Post Harvest Management, Processing & Quality Enhancement in Millets” for Agricultural Officers of Odisha under the IIMR–Shree Anna Abhiyan Yojana from 8 to 11 September 2026. The programme brought together officers from different blocks of Odisha and provided them an opportunity to connect scientific knowledge with practical field applications. The programme offered a holistic learning experience covering the millet production-to-consumption continuum.

Participants were trained in improved production technologies for sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet and little millet, climate-resilient cultivation, field maintenance, seed treatment and sustainable crop management. The programme further strengthened their practical understanding through hands-on demonstrations of primary and secondary millet processing technologies and equipment, enabling them to better understand the scope for reducing post-harvest losses and improving the quality and value of millet produce.

Adding an enterprise and value-chain perspective, the officers visited a seed processing unit and NUTRIHUB, gaining exposure to seed processing, millet innovation, entrepreneurship and startup opportunities. Hands-on sessions at GMRK Foods, Hyderabad, on preparation of millet chikki and nutri bars provided practical insights into product development and value addition. The concluding technical sessions covered small millet production, integrated disease and pest management, packaging and labelling, and business opportunities, including the experiences of ICAR-IIMR promoted FPOs in strengthening the millet value chain.

The programme concluded with a valedictory session on 11 September, in the presence of Dr G. Shyam Prasad, Director-in-Charge, ICAR-IIMR, marking the successful completion of the four-day capacity-building programme. The training is expected to empower agricultural officers with actionable knowledge and practical skills to support farmers across Odisha in adopting improved and climate-resilient millet practices, promoting scientific post-harvest management, facilitating processing and value addition, and encouraging FPOs and local enterprises. By strengthening the bridge between research institutions, extension personnel and farming communities, the programme aims to contribute to stronger millet-based livelihoods, better market opportunities and a more robust millet value chain across Odisha.

The programme thus served as an important platform for bridging scientific research with field-level implementation, equipping Odisha’s agricultural extension personnel with practical knowledge to promote millets as a climate-resilient crop, nutritious food and viable livelihood opportunity.

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