Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) and The ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad signed an MoU to promote millets through research and academic collaboration.

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) is a premier agricultural research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research that conducts basic and strategic research on sorghum and other millets. Through All India Coordinated Research Projects on Millets, Pearl Millet, and Small Millets, IIMR coordinates and facilitates millet research at the national level, and maintains links with various national and international organisations. IIMR is promoting research in developing improved millet cultivars, crop production, and protection techniques to increase millet production and demand for millet products while providing nutritious foods at affordable prices to the general public through their Eatrite brand of millets.

MoU was signed in the presence of Sh. R.K.Arora, Registrar, MRIIRS and Dr. Vilas A Tonapi, Director, IIMR signed the MoU. The dignitaries who attended the event on behalf of IIMR were Dr. B. Dayakar Rao, Principal Scientist and CEO, Nutrihub, Dr. Stanley, In charge-IPR, IIMR. Prof G.L.Khanna, Pro – Vice Chancellor MRIIRS, Prof. M. Rizvi, Dean Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. Kommi Kalpana, HoD, Faculty of Sports and Prof. Divya Sanghi, HoD, Department of N&D from MRIIRS graced the occasion.

Dignitaries present stressed upon the need for research and academic collaboration in this area. Dr Vilas A Tonapi, Director, IIMR mentioned the need to establish the Centre of Health, Fitness and Sports Centre for Millets. Prof. Kommi Kalpana, Faculty of Sports mentioned the way forward to promote millets through research, faculty development, entrepreneur training, farmer education and social outreach programs.