Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has highlighted the importance of enhancing outreach efforts, including digital platforms and targeted interactions with startups and MSMEs. This focus is particularly on emerging sectors like ready-to-eat and “carry-home” food items, catering to evolving urban consumption trends. Dr Singh underlined the potential for growth by fostering a robust commercial and entrepreneurial environment around such innovations.
India’s promotion of millets received a significant boost through dual institutional support, aiming to enhance both technological advancements and grassroots capabilities. Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that millet-based recipes developed using Indian technology are now being featured in global food chains, including McDonald’s. This progress was observed during his visit to the country’s inaugural ‘Centre of Excellence’ for Millets at the Central Food Technology & Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysore.
Dr Singh noted the successful integration of advanced processing technologies at the millet facility, backed by Rs 20 crore under RKVY. This facility can handle all nine millet varieties within a unified system, boasting a cleaning capacity of 60–70 tonnes per day and a milling capacity of 12–15 tonnes per day. It produces various value-added products such as flour, semolina, and bran, emphasizing improved nutrient retention, extended shelf life, and operational efficiency in a hygienic, automated setup.
The Minister stressed the importance of transitioning scientific innovations from labs to practical applications, especially through collaborations with farmers, women’s groups, and small businesses. As global interest shifts towards climate-resilient crops and sustainable nutrition, millets are gaining prominence in India’s food industry. The CFTRI model, which combines research, industry partnerships, and grassroots empowerment, is being positioned as a blueprint for leveraging this trend for economic growth and nutritional benefits.
