The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) successfully hosted its 3rd Genebank Small Millets germplasm Field Day on 11 November 2024, at its headquarters in Hyderabad.
The event attracted 51 researchers and breeders from 24 organizations, including representatives from public and private sectors, the Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), as well as leading small millets research institutions.
The gathering provided participants with the opportunity to explore over 7,000 diverse small millet germplasm lines, including finger millet (~4,500), foxtail millet (1,200), barnyard millet (550), and other promising lines of kodo millet, proso millet and little millet.
Under the leadership of Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head-ICRISAT Genebank, the attendees also had the chance to assess and select germplasm with specific traits that could contribute to broadening the genetic base of small millet cultivars for sustainable agriculture, food security, and improved nutrition.
With attendance from the ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, State Agricultural Universities, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), a key partner on the Bihar Centre of Excellence for Millets Value Chain project, private seed companies, and other research institutions, the event served as an important platform for networking and exchanging knowledge on key traits and challenges related to small millets, helping to align research and breeding priorities with stakeholder needs.
Dr Sean Mayes, Global Research Program Director for Accelerated Crop Improvement at ICRISAT, underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing small millet research.
“To mainstream small millets, we must establish a platform for converging research efforts and develop standardized protocols for evaluating yield, nutrition, and other key traits.
“This will enable meaningful comparisons across varieties and strengthen the case for millets as a valuable crop,” said Dr Mayes.
The field day also featured an engaging discussion session where participants reflected on current challenges and opportunities for small millets.
Key issues raised included the need for enhanced traits such as non-lodging, disease resistance, drought tolerance, synchronous maturity, higher yields, increased grain size, herbicide tolerance etc.
Specific concerns such as kodo millet poisoning, the role of public-private partnerships in strengthening seed systems, and the management of blast disease were also highlighted.
Participants expressed their appreciation to ICRISAT for organizing the event and facilitating the sharing of valuable germplasm. Many noted the importance of continued collaboration and information exchange to strengthen the small millet sector and its contributions to food security and sustainable agriculture.
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Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
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