ICRISAT and Assam Govt Collaborate to Promote Millets, Aims to Boost Cultivation, Production, & Consumption of Millets

In a notable collaboration, the International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Government of Assam, India, have teamed up for the Assam Millet Mission. 

The mission aims to boost the cultivation, production, and consumption of three native millet crops namely, Finger millet (Maruadhan), Foxtail millet (Kauni Dhan), and Proso millet (Cheena Bajra) in Assam. Recognizing Assam's vulnerability to floods and its historical preference for rice over millets, the mission aims to shift towards diversified agriculture, incorporating resilient and nutritious millets.

Dr. Jacqueline Hughes, the Director General of ICRISAT, commended the pioneering Millet Mission, considering the limited history of millet consumption in the region. India, being the world's largest millet producer, is leading the resurgence of millet. Currently, millets cover only 6,000 hectares in 15 districts of Assam, contributing 97% of the state's millet production. Dr. Hughes expressed ICRISAT's enthusiasm to contribute its expertise in millet research to complement Assam's visionary approach and ambitious millet value chain targets.

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The project involves providing extensive training to stakeholders in farming practices, seed production, and new recipe development. The strategic plan includes promoting marketing and export, introducing nutritious millet-based recipes in government schemes, and collaborating with Assam Agricultural University, private seed companies, and 7,000 smallholder farmers to enhance millet seed and production systems.

Dr. Saikat Datta Mazumdar from ICRISAT emphasized using innovative technologies to break the inter-generational cycle of malnutrition, enhancing the nutritional value of mid-day meals and supplementary nutrition at Anganwadi centers. Increasing awareness about the health benefits of millet among mothers and Anganwadi workers is crucial, benefiting children and women in rural households.

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The commitment also involves formulating marketing and export strategies and tailoring product offerings for local and international markets. Dr. Victor-Afari Sefa, Global Research Program Director at ICRISAT, highlighted the institute's multidisciplinary knowledge to elevate the millet value chain in Assam, offering significant nutritional benefits and building a more resilient future for the region.

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