Union Budget 2025: Strengthens agriculture and advancing a sustainable food system
The Centre is set to reshape Bihar’s food systems, with ICRISAT and its partners directly addressing the state’s food and nutritional security needs
With a groundbreaking focus on food and nutrition security, the Bihar Centre of Excellence for Millets Value Chains—established by the Government of Bihar in collaboration with ICRISAT and local partners —is harnessing scientific innovation to unlock the full potential of millet production in the state.
The initiative aims to produce 20,000 kg of millet seed in 2024-25 and plans to expand further as on-ground capacity continues to grow.
Speaking from ICRISAT HQ, Global Research Program Director for Accelerated Crop Improvement Dr Sean Mayes said that millet cultivation in Bihar remained limited with only around 8,700 hectares under production, yielding approximately 11,200 tonnes annually.
“In recent years, farmers have faced restricted access to diverse and high-performing millet varieties, which this initiative aims to address through targeted research and innovation.
“We know this will have a direct impact on food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable in the state, particularly for women and children,” said Dr Mayes.
To support smallholders, the Centre has also introduced on-site millet processing demonstrations, new mechanisation tools, and field days, reaching over 1194 farmers including 240 women, with plans for two permanent secondary processing sites in Bihar.
The Centre is set to reshape Bihar’s food systems, with ICRISAT and its partners directly addressing the state’s food and nutritional security needs, supporting farmer resilience, and establishing a sustainable foundation for agricultural growth.