Hyderabad, August  2026:

The ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research (ICAR–IIMR), Hyderabad, has launched a four-day training programme on “Improved Millet Production Technologies for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Agriculture” to strengthen the technical capacity of agricultural stakeholders from Odisha.

The programme is being organised from August 11 to 14, 2026, under the Odisha Millet Mission Phase-II Project. Participants representing different blocks of Odisha are attending the programme with the objective of gaining practical knowledge that can help farmers adopt improved and climate-resilient millet production practices.

Training Focuses on Climate-Resilient Millet Farming

The programme comes at a time when increasing climate variability is creating new challenges for agricultural production. The training focuses on strengthening millet-based production systems through improved varieties, quality seed, scientific crop management and climate-resilient farming practices.

During the inauguration at ICAR–IIMR, participants were introduced to the structure of the four-day programme and the key technical areas that would be covered.

The organisers highlighted that the training has been designed to go beyond conventional classroom learning by connecting scientific knowledge with field-level conditions and practical extension requirements.

Practical Exposure to Millet Technologies

The training programme includes a combination of scientific sessions, technical interactions and practical exposure. Participants will gain insights into:

  • Improved millet production technologies
  • Climate-resilient cultivation practices
  • Quality seed and improved varieties
  • Scientific crop management
  • Integrated pest and disease management
  • Field demonstrations
  • Millet processing technologies
  • Millet-based value addition
  • Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) activities
  • Practical exposure at ICRISAT
  • Interaction with scientists and technical experts

This field-oriented approach is intended to help participants understand how different technologies can be adapted and implemented under actual farming conditions.

Emphasis on “Learning by Doing”

A major feature of the programme is its focus on “learning by doing”.

Rather than limiting participants to theoretical knowledge, the training combines scientific presentations with field exposure and interactions with experts. This approach is intended to strengthen participants' ability to identify appropriate technologies and guide farmers in their practical application.

The programme also emphasises the importance of transferring research-based technologies effectively from agricultural research institutions to farming communities.

Building a Network of Knowledge Multipliers

The training is expected to create a pool of technically equipped stakeholders who can act as knowledge multipliers in Odisha.

After completing the programme, participants will be better positioned to support farmers in addressing challenges associated with millet cultivation, including moisture stress, irregular rainfall, declining soil fertility, pest and disease pressures and inefficient resource use.

By strengthening the technical capacity of field-level stakeholders, the programme aims to improve the dissemination and adoption of sustainable millet production technologies across farming communities.

Supporting Sustainable Millet-Based Agriculture

Millets are well suited to climate-resilient agricultural systems because of their relevance to resource-efficient production. Strengthening production practices, value addition and farmer-level technology adoption can further enhance the role of millets in sustainable agriculture.

The ICAR–IIMR initiative under the Odisha Millet Mission Phase-II therefore represents an effort to connect research, capacity building, field-level extension and farmer adoption.

The four-day programme is expected to contribute to stronger millet production systems in Odisha by equipping stakeholders with practical knowledge and technologies for more productive, sustainable and climate-resilient farming.

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