A new chapter in agricultural research and food security began with the laying of the foundation stone for the Shri Ann Global Centre of Excellence at the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) in Hyderabad. The Centre aims to expand India’s footprint in millet research and innovation on a global platform, with a dedicated emphasis on harnessing scientific knowledge to improve farming practices and promote sustainable agriculture.
This initiative aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to position millets, also known as Shri Ann, as a staple in both national and global food systems. The newly proposed Centre of Excellence is envisioned as a major research and knowledge hub for millet based agriculture, processing technologies, value chain development and nutrition science.
Building a Global Identity for Millets
The establishment of the Shri Ann Global Centre of Excellence comes at a time when India has emerged as a leading contributor to the global millet movement. Hyderabad’s Indian Institute of Millets Research has already been playing a central role in this domain and the upcoming Shri Ann Global Centre of Excellence will further amplify its capacity by fostering collaborations with international research organizations, academic institutions and agricultural bodies.
The Shri Ann Global Centre of Excellence will focus on key areas including crop improvement, seed technology, climate resilience, market linkage, food product development and nutrition analysis. It will also provide a platform for developing region specific solutions to farming challenges and supply chain inefficiencies related to millet production.
Millets, known for their resilience to harsh climatic conditions and low water requirements, are considered suitable for arid and semi arid regions. With the backing of targeted research, they are expected to help diversify crop patterns, improve farmer incomes and address nutritional deficiencies in rural and urban populations alike.
Integration of Technology and Traditional Practices
The Shri Ann Global Centre of Excellence will act as a bridge between advanced agricultural science and grassroots level farming practices. A core objective of the Centre is to ensure that findings from research laboratories are effectively translated into field applications. This is being facilitated by a broader national framework, including the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ a campaign aimed at connecting farmers with scientific developments in agriculture.
Under this campaign, more than 2,170 teams involving over 16,000 agricultural scientists have been mobilized across the country to interact directly with farmers. These teams are working to understand local challenges, assess regional soil and climatic conditions and share actionable recommendations on crop varieties, pest control, soil health and water management.
The emphasis on local adaptability is crucial. Scientists have been directed to align their research agendas with farmers’ real world issues and to draw from indigenous knowledge where relevant. The new Shri Ann Global Centre of Excellence will serve as a focal point for such collaborative efforts, particularly in the millet sector.
Enhancing Farmer Participation and Knowledge Transfer
Farmers from Telangana and other states are expected to benefit from the Centre’s initiatives through increased access to training programs, seed distribution networks, market information systems and agri tech demonstrations. The facility will also focus on building entrepreneurial capacity among rural youth, women farmers and smallholder producers by promoting value added millet products and agro processing units.
Moreover, the Shri Ann Global Centre of Excellence will host national and international conferences, workshop and exchange programs that aim to create an integrated ecosystem for knowledge sharing. Partnerships with private sector stakeholders, food industries and non governmental organizations will further support the commercialization of millet based innovations.
Support for Crop Diversification and Sustainable Farming
The foundation stone event also underscored the broader goals of promoting integrated and diversified farming practices. In Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district, farmers have been adopting methods such as intercropping of palm and papaya, cultivation of vegetables and flowers and nursery development. These practices have shown promising results in terms of increased yields and income. One local farmer reported earnings of up to INR three lakh per acre, highlighting the potential of such strategies when paired with scientific guidance.
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To complement these efforts, the government is also encouraging research on palm oil cultivation in the region. Scientists have been asked to evaluate the feasibility and long term benefits of expanding oil palm plantations, particularly in water appropriate areas.
Market Support and Infrastructure Development
In parallel with research based initiatives, infrastructure and market support schemes are being rolled out. The Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) was recently announced to help stabilize prices for perishable crops like tomatoes, potatoes and onions. Under this scheme, the central government will cover transportation costs for surplus produce moved across states and assist with storage solutions to minimize post harvest losses.
These efforts are being coordinated with state governments to ensure logistical efficiency and timely procurement. Small and marginal farmers, often most vulnerable to market fluctuations, stand to gain from these interventions.
Looking Ahead
The Shri Ann Global Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad represents a major institutional step toward strengthening India’s agricultural base through focused research, inclusive development and knowledge driven practices. While it is anchored in the millets sector, its ripple effects are expected to reach multiple facets of Indian agriculture, from sustainability to nutrition security and rural empowerment.
As work on the Shri Ann Global Centre of Excellence begins, it is clear that its mission goes beyond scientific exploration. It seeks to lay the foundation for a future in which agriculture is informed by evidence, shaped by local realities and geared toward long term ecological and economic well-being.