🌾 IIMR: Driving India’s Millet Revolution – Innovation, Research & Impact
When we talk about the revival of traditional grains in India, millets take center stage. These humble, ancient grains are making a powerful comeback, thanks to growing awareness around health, sustainability, and food security. But behind this resurgence lies the relentless work of an institution that has been silently driving change — the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR).
What is IIMR?
Located in Hyderabad, the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) is a leading institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). IIMR is dedicated exclusively to millets research, innovation, and promotion — from seed to shelf.
Their work spans across improving millet varieties, promoting millet-based entrepreneurship, conducting nutrition studies, and even influencing policy to bring millets back into mainstream consumption.
Why Millets Matter
Before we dive deeper into IIMR’s achievements, here’s why millets are important:
- Naturally gluten-free and rich in fiber, iron, and calcium
- Ideal for managing diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular health
- Grown with minimal water and no synthetic fertilizers – making them climate-resilient and eco-friendly
- Provide income and food security for smallholder farmers, especially in dryland regions
IIMR’s Mission: Research to Plate
IIMR doesn’t just work at the farm level; it envisions an entire millet ecosystem. Here’s how:
1. Cutting-edge Millet Research
Through scientific breeding and agronomy, IIMR has developed high-yielding, drought-resistant millet varieties that are suitable for various agro-climatic zones in India. Their research ensures better productivity and improved nutritional profiles.
2. Millet Processing & Innovation
One of the biggest challenges for millets is their hard outer layers and short shelf life. IIMR has developed processing technologies and machinery that make millets easier to clean, dehull, and cook — paving the way for millet-based snacks, flours, and ready-to-eat foods.
3. Millet Startups & Entrepreneurs
IIMR is also home to the Nutrihub, a dedicated incubation center that supports millet-based startups and food entrepreneurs. Whether it’s millet cookies, pasta, or energy bars — many of these now-popular brands started their journey with IIMR’s support.
4. Advocacy & Global Outreach
IIMR played a key role in India’s successful proposal to the United Nations to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Their efforts are helping position India as a global leader in millet production and innovation.
Noteworthy Achievements
- Developed over 50 improved millet varieties for better nutrition and yield Supported
- 100+ startups through Nutrihub and other entrepreneurship programsPlayed a key
- role in mainstreaming millets in PDS, school meals, and ICDS Conducted global
- millet conferences and partnered with FPOs across India
🌟 Join the Millet Movement
At IE5 Foods, we believe in celebrating traditions that are not only culturally rich but also good for health and the planet. Millets are more than grains – they are a movement, and IIMR is leading the way.
