Downloads

Other Links

R&D Achievements 2024-25

The R&D efforts at IIMR during 2024-25 spanned key areas including genetic enhancement, molecular biology, climate resilience, crop protection, and extensive value chain development and farmer outreach, resulting in significant progress across major and small millets.
  1. 1. Crop Improvement, Genetic Resources, and Genetic Enhancement
  2. 1.1 Genetic Resources Management
  3. 1.2 New Variety Development
  4. 1.3. Trait Specific Improvement
  5. DUS Testing and Registration
  6. 2. Genomics, Biotechnology, and Molecular Tools
  7. 2.1 Genomic Selection and Marker Identification
  8. 2.2 Genome Editing (CRISPR/Cas9)
  9. 3. Nutritional Security and Health Benefits
  10. 3.1 Biofortification
  11. 3.2 Clinical and Health Studies
  12. 3.3 Nutritional Profiling
  13. 4. Crop Production and Climate Resilience
  14. 4.1 Water Use Efficiency and Stress Adaptation
  15. 4.2 Agronomic Recommendations
  16. 4.3 Intercropping Systems
  17. 4.4 Micronutrient Management
  18. 5. Crop Protection and Disease Management
  19. 5.1 Pest Resistance and Management
  20. 5.2 Disease Resistance and management
  21. 6. Value Addition, Agri-Business, and FPO Promotion
  22. 6.1 FPO Promotion
  23. 6.2 Technology and Product Development
  24. 7. Socio-Economics and Extension
  25. 7.1 Technology Adoption and Impact
  26. 7.2 Market and Economic Analysis
  27. 7.3 ICT and Outreach

1. Crop Improvement, Genetic Resources, and Genetic Enhancement

Progress focused on expanding genetic resources, developing new high-yielding varieties, and enhancing specific traits across various millets:
  • 1.1 Genetic Resources Management
  • Mega Characterization was conducted on approximately 12,000 finger millet germplasm and 4,618 foxtail millet accessions. IIMR conserved 49,779 accessions of millets for medium-term storage as part of the National Active Germplasm Site.

      1.2. New Variety Development
    • A high-yielding Foxtail millet variety, CFXMV-2 (FXV 647), was officially released and notified for cultivation in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. This variety recorded a 5.1% to 9.2% increase in grain yield over existing checks in these states.
    • The kharif sorghum variety SPV 2976 was identified for release in Zone III (Gujarat and Rajasthan), demonstrating a 9.3% improvement in grain yield and 6% improvement in fodder yield over the check CSV 41.
    • The little millet line LMV 602 recorded the highest yield in AICRP trials for the year, showing an 8% superiority over the best check (CLMV 1).
    • In pearl millet, four early-maturing hybrids were selected, showing 33% to 52% superiority over relevant checks.
    • One variety each in forage sorghum (CSV 63F) and sweet sorghum (CSV 66SS) have been identified for release by ICAR varietal identification committee.
    • 1.3. Trait Specific Improvement
    • R&D identified and promoted several promising lines, including 14 potential multi-cut Sudan grass (SSG) type R lines for forage sorghum breeding. Furthermore, 17 mutants in barnyard millet were identified for high fodder yielding ability.
    • 1.4. DUS Testing and Registration
    • IIMR characterized 21 varieties/hybrids/parental lines of sorghum (grain, forage, and sweet sorghum) for DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) traits to facilitate early registration of varieties. One rabi sorghum genetic stock, SPV 2918 (multiple insect resistant line), was submitted for NBPGR registration.

      2. Genomics, Biotechnology, and Molecular Tools

      Significant advancements were made using next-generation breeding and genome editing technologies to accelerate genetic gain:
    • 2.1 Genomic Selection and Marker Identification:
    • The application of Next-Generation Breeding (NGB) in pearl millet resulted in the estimation of genomic breeding values (GBVs) for 209 experimental hybrids, enabling the selection of high-performing parental lines.
    • Genomic studies identified 413 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) for seed longevity traits in pearl millet, including a pleiotropic SNP (PMSnpB394) on chromosome 2 associated with 14 seed-longevity traits.
    • A DNA marker kit for molecular prediction of grain yield heterosis in kharif sorghum was constituted based on SSR markers. Correlation analysis showed a significant and positive correlation (r = 0.51*) between marker polymorphism and better parent heterosis.
    • The Kodo millet genome was sequenced and assembled to ~0.9 Gb. Gene prediction identified approximately 1,33,861 genes. A validated SSR marker kit comprising 40 markers was constituted for kodo millet cultivar identification and genetic diversity assessment.
      2.2 Genome Editing (CRISPR/Cas9):
    • R&D initiated genome editing in pearl millet to knock out Lipase genes (Lip1, Lip2, Lip3) aimed at enhancing flour shelf life (reducing rancidity).
    • In sorghum, genome editing was initiated to knock out the Aceto Lactate Synthase (ALS) gene for herbicide tolerance.
    • A total of 300 putative transformants in pearl millet and 208 in sorghum were successfully regenerated using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.

      1. 3. Nutritional Security and Health Benefits

      R&D focused on enhancing micronutrient content and clinically validating the health benefits of millets:
      3.1 Biofortification
      • In sorghum biofortification trials, breeding lines were evaluated for high grain Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn). While no lines combined high yield with high Fe/Zn, some, like IIMRS24023, showed superior grain yield and higher Fe content compared to checks. Candidate gene-based association analysis identified several significant MTAs for grain Fe and grain Zn content in sorghum.
      • 3.2 Clinical and Health Studies
    • A comprehensive study on Nutri-cereals established health benefits through a three-month dietary intervention completed with 100 type-2 diabetic subjects using low glycemic index (GI) millet-based meals.
    • Initial results from a study on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) showed reductions in visceral fat and improvements in metabolic parameters in subjects consuming millet-based meals.
    • A 12-week intervention with athletes demonstrated significant improvements in physical performance, psychological well-being, and cognitive function after consuming millet products.
      • 3.3 Nutritional Profiling
      Untargeted metabolite profiling was carried out on 8–10 genotypes of each of the 9 millets using LC-MS/MS, identifying approximately 900 to 1000 plant-specific metabolites. Studies on foxtail millet showed that hydrothermal treatment significantly reduced phytic acid content.

      4. Crop Production and Climate Resilience

      Research emphasized optimizing resource use, developing stress-tolerant varieties, and improving agronomic practices:
      4.1 Water Use Efficiency and Stress Adaptation:

    • Studies on rabi sorghum drought adaptation revealed that under moisture stress, plants exhibit increased rooting depth and narrower root angles, which promotes deeper water extraction. Specific anatomical traits, like high root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) and narrower metaxylem vessels, were identified as contributing to improved drought adaptation by reducing metabolic cost and enhancing water transport.
    • Stable yielding finger millet genotypes (e.g., MR1, ML 365) and foxtail millet genotypes (e.g., CO7, Prasad) were identified under water stress conditions.
    • Field trials showed that the application of hydrogel at 7.5 kg/ha significantly increased foxtail millet grain yield by 27%
      • 4.2 Agronomic Recommendations
    • Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) based N fertilization recommendations for top dressing in sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet were developed and included in recommendations.
      • 4.3 Intercropping Systems
    • Studies on sorghum and millet intercropping confirmed the superiority of the paired row system, resulting in 11% higher Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) on mean basis.
      4.4 Micronutrient Management
    • Foliar spray of Zinc (1%) and Boron (0.5%) applied at panicle initiation significantly increased seed yield and enhanced seed vigor and longevity traits in barnyard millet compared to control treatments.

      • 5. Crop Protection and Disease Management

      Efforts focused on managing invasive pests like Fall Armyworm (FAW), identifying new sources of resistance, and developing novel disease control methods:
      5.1 Pest Resistance and Management:
    • Avoidable yield loss due to FAW was quantified at 7.23% in barnyard millet and 4.45% in finger millet. Broflanilide was identified as the most effective insecticide against FAW in laboratory tests.
    • In host-pest studies, characteristic volatile organic compounds (kairomones) were profiled in millets (sorghum, proso millet, barnyard millet) at the early growth stages, corresponding to shoot fly damage.
    • In sorghum, seed treatment with Thiamomethoxam 30% FS + Metalaxyl 35% WS was effective in providing relatively lower incidence of all major pests.
      5.2 Disease Resistance and management:
    • Four sorghum breeding materials (BN-496, BN-488, BN-85, BN-87) were identified as resistant to grain mold, scoring 3.0 on the 1–9 scale.
    • Research showed that supplementing host resistance with external management inputs is crucial; Copper Oxide nanoparticles at 500 ppm completely inhibited the germination of chief grain mold fungi in-vitro.
    • Thirteen pearl millet genotypes were found resistant to both tested blast pathotype-isolates.
    • In finger millet, seed treatment (Tebuconazole 2% DS + Tricyclazole 75 WP) resulted in a 50% reduction in major disease incidence (blast, banded blight) and 24% higher grain yield compared to the control.

      6.Value Addition, Agri-Business, and FPO Promotion

      This area saw extensive development in entrepreneurship, processing technology, and strengthening the millet value chain at the grassroots level:
      6.1 FPO Promotion
    • IIMR had successfully promoted and registered numerous Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh through schemes like SFAC and NABARD.
    • FPOs achieved significant milestones, including business turnovers of ₹2.87 crore (SFAC Oilseed & Millets FPO) and ₹2.02 crore (SFAC Millets FPO).
    • Many FPOs obtained essential licenses, established processing units (mini dal mill, rawa maker, cold-pressed oils), and onboarded value-added products onto platforms like ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce).
      6.2 Technology and Product Development
    • The Agri-Business Incubator (ABI) supported the development of three new product technologies (Millet-based Probiotic Drink, Multi millet Kichidi Mix, and Multi millet Jaggery Bread).
    • Research identified that the shelf life of 11 developed millet products for micro-units ranged from 6 to 9 months.
    • Improvements in primary processing were achieved: the addition of a color sorter improved separation efficiency by 90-95%, and hydrothermal treatment enhanced dehulling efficiency by 9-10%.
    • New composite foods were developed, including pearl millet vegetable nuggets (60-day shelf life) and a pearl millet–berry health mix (90-day stability).

      7. Socio-Economics and Extension

      Focus areas included evaluating the impact of technology adoption, market analysis, and developing digital tools for farmers:
      7.1 Technology Adoption and Impact
    • Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) on kharif sorghum resulted in 37% more grain yield and 79% higher net returns over local checks.
    • In finger millet and little millet, the adoption of improved production technologies (like using high-yielding varieties and disease control) saw an increase of more than 40% among farmers.
    • The increased yields led to 47% higher net returns in finger millet and 44% higher net returns in little millet over the pre-FLD stage.
    • A participatory technology validation project in Central Telangana found that introduced improved millet varieties resulted in 30-107% net returns over farmers’ practice.
      7.2 Market and Economic Analysis
    • Analysis of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) for pearl millet showed significant growth rates in both Gujarat (1.12% per annum) and Uttar Pradesh (1.40% per annum) during the most recent decade analyzed (2005-06 to 2021-22).
    • Market analysis confirmed spatial integration among major Bajra markets in Rajasthan (Alwar, Barmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur), with price linkages predominantly showing a unidirectional causality from the Alwar market to the others.
      7.3 ICT and Outreach       The Millets First app was updated to provide advisory services in both English and Telugu languages. R&D efforts began compiling data and protocols for developing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based models for identifying millet diseases and pests through the AI-DISC mobile App.