India’s first regional Pearl Millet research centre becomes operational in Rajasthan’s Gudamalani Balotra district

JAISALMER: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmersâ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary on Sunday inaugurated the administrative and laboratory building of the Regional Pearl Millet Research Centre of the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) at Gudamalani in Balotra district, marking a major step towards strengthening millet research in western Rajasthan.

Former Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary, Barmer-Jaisalmer-Balotra MP Umedaram Beniwal, ICAR Director General Dr Mangi Lal Jat, ICAR Deputy Director (Crop Science) Dr Devendra Kumar Yadav, IIMR Hyderabad Director Dr C Tara Satyavathi and centre director Dr S N Saxena, along with agricultural scientists and officials, attended the inauguration.

The foundation stone of the centre was laid around three years ago. The facility has now been completed with laboratories and farm areas to undertake research on pearl millet under the climatic conditions of western Rajasthan. A Pearl Millet Farmersâ Conference-2026 and a large agricultural exhibition were also organised, attracting farmers from surrounding areas.

India cultivates pearl millet over around 9.8 million hectares, producing approximately 9.4 million tonnes annually.

Rajasthan alone contributes around 3.75 million tonnes, accounting for nearly 42% of the countryâs production.

Choudhary visited stalls set up by agricultural institutions and interacted with farmers to understand their concerns relating to cultivation, production and local agricultural conditions. He also discussed ongoing research, new technologies and improved varieties with scientists and visited fields where different crops and pearl millet hybrids have been planted.

Addressing farmers, Choudhary said pearl millet was not merely a crop in the sandy terrain of western Rajasthan but an important source of livelihood. He said the centre would accelerate research on improved varieties, new technologies and production methods suited to the region.

He said the facility could help increase productivity, reduce cultivation costs and improve farmersâ incomes, while supporting the governmentâs efforts to promote Shree Anna (millets).

Choudhary also stressed the need for continued work on providing farmers with better production, improved seeds, scientific guidance and greater market opportunities, keeping in view the climate and geographical conditions of western Rajasthan, where pearl millet is a key crop. He also urged agricultural scientists and farmers to promote cattle-based farming.

Dr S N Saxena said the centre now had the necessary infrastructure and a team of five scientists. More than 1,000 farmers have been invited to learn how they can benefit from the research.

Several pearl millet hybrids developed across the country have been planted at the centre, allowing farmers to assess their performance and identify varieties suited to their local conditions. Saxena said the centre aims to undertake pearl millet research of global significance in the coming years.

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