The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have joined forces to cultivate capacities in sustainable millet value chain development within the context of the International Year of Millet-2023. This collaboration, conducted under the FAO South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) framework, aims to foster knowledge exchange and development experiences between India, and other countries of Asia and Africa.

As part of this initiative, fourteen experts from key millet producing countries in Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal) and Africa (Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda) will convene in India. Together, they will embark on an immersive training and exposure visit to India in December 2023. Building on this transformative experience, a second training and exposure visit for the same participants is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. These capacity development sessions will be conducted by the International Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), an institute of ICAR, located in Hyderabad, India.

The IIMR, operating under the auspices of ICAR, has been at the forefront of millet research and development in India. Since its establishment in 1958, the IIMR has served as a premier agricultural research institute, dedicated to transforming subsistence farming of millets into a globally competitive, climate-resilient nutria-cereal enterprise. The institute's multifaceted efforts include research to boost millet productivity, diversification of utilization to enhance demand, development and coordination of improved millet crop production and protection technologies, as well as training and extension services in millet production and utilization. Additionally, the IIMR plays a vital role in disseminating technologies and facilitating capacity development.

The Government of India has entrusted the IIMR with spearheading global endeavours in the research and development of millets, particularly in the context of the International Year of Millets-2023. In this spirit, this collaboration aims to facilitate the exchange of technical know-how and development experiences between India and the participating countries in Africa and Asia, under the auspices of the IIMR.

FAO working with Member Nations to build a resilient millet value chain

This FAO-ICAR cooperation serves as a platform for fostering technical know-how and knowledge exchange in millet value chains between India, Africa, and selected countries in Asia. Aligned with the food system transformation agenda and the International Year of Millets-2023, the initiative seeks to enhance the knowledge and practices surrounding millet value chain development among participating countries in Asia and Africa.

“Through this collaboration, FAO and ICAR aim to pave the way for sustainable and resilient millet value chains” said Aziz Arya, FAO Policy and Programme Officer. “By harnessing the expertise of the IIMR and fostering cross-border cooperation, this initiative will facilitate the exchange of best practices, driving innovation and progress in millet production, utilization, and value addition.”

As the world collectively embraces the potential of millets, FAO and ICAR remain committed to fortifying the capacities of millet-producing nations, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for millet value chains worldwide.