In order to promote Millet based livelihoods in Rural Development Activities, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD & PR), Hyderabad and ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (ICAR-IIMR), Hyderabad signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.
The MoU was signed by Dr G Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General (NIRDPR) and Dr. Vilas A Tonapi, Director, ICAR-IIMR in the presence of Prof. G.V. Raju, School Head, Dr. Radhika Rani, Director, National Rural Livelihood Mission-RC, Dr. Surjit Vikraman, Dr. Nithya V.G, Dr Venkatesh Bhat and Dr J. Stanley from NIRDPR and IIMR.
The main purpose of having this agreement is to focus on different collaborative activities by sharing each other strengths (a) to encourage Rural Incubation and Entrepreneurship development by integrating with National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) activities, (b) mainstreaming millet-based livelihood strategies and value chain development in convergence with other programmes and (a) in promoting millet-based local food systems and agriculture-nutrition linkages through Gram Panchayat Development Plans.
Dr. G. Narendra Kumar IAS, emphasized that the collaboration between the two institutions is very important in the background of the International Year of Millets in 2023. He opined that technical competence of IIMR in research on millet varieties and making value added products from them, and the strength of NIRDPR in creating business opportunities and marketing support through SHGs under NRLM across the country will act in synergy to transform rural livelihoods. The promotion of millets through micro-enterprises will support their livelihoods and contribute to the health and nutrition of the population.
