Parliament Question: Establishment of Millet Research and Development Centre in Odisha

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2403 ANSWERED ON- 13/03/2026 ESTABLISHMENT OF MILLET RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE IN ODISHA 2403. SMT. SULATA DEO: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government proposes to establish a dedicated Millet Research and Development Centre in Odisha to promote value addition and export of millets; and (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY) (a) & (b): No. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad is providing extensive support for millet research and development in Odisha to promote value addition and export of millets. A Small millets Research Centre is functional at Berhampur under the Odisha University of Agriculture Technology (OUAT) as part of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Sorghum and Small millets since 1989. Under the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM), an Enhanced Millets Breeders Seed Production Centre (2018) and a Millets Seed Hub (2019) has been established at Berhampur to strengthen the millet value chain in the state. Besides, the ICAR is an active partner in 'Odisha Millets Mission' to disseminate expertise on production, processing, and value addition to local stakeholders. *******