An International Millets Centre of Excellence will be set up at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) campus in Hyderabad. This was officially announced on Friday. Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, said that the Central Government has approved ₹250 crore to establish this important centre.

G. Kishan Reddy shared that Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, informed him about this funding approval through a letter. This project is part of the “PM Shri Anna Yojana (Millets),” which aims to improve food and nutritional security by promoting millet farming and consumption for a healthier India.

Speaking on the announcement, G. Kishan Reddy said this centre will boost the ongoing research at IIMR. It will have world-class research labs, skill development centres, and facilities to help farmers. Telangana farmers will benefit by getting better quality seeds and more support for growing millets. The centre will also offer training to farmers, help with marketing millet products, and encourage new startups in this field.