MAHARISHI launches millets training program for African researchers
The initiative focuses on improving research capabilities in millets and other ancient grains, which are attracting growing attention for their potential to support food security, dietary diversity and agricultural resilience.
INDIA – The Millets and Other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative (MAHARISHI) has launched a fully funded specialized training program in India for African researchers, aiming to strengthen scientific capacity in millet breeding, climate-resilient agriculture and the development of nutritious, value-added food products.
Hosted at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Millets Research (ICAR–IIMR) in Hyderabad, designated as the Global Centre of Excellence on Millets, the capacity-building fellowship aims to strengthen South-South scientific collaboration and boost sustainable food security across drought-prone regions.
The intensive three-month program provides selected African scientists with full financial support, covering tuition, travel, and living expenses funded through the MAHARISHI umbrella.
Designed to address systemic agricultural challenges, the curriculum covers a wide array of advanced scientific disciplines.
Participants undergo rigorous practical and theoretical training in genomics-led breeding, high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping, biofortification, rapid generation advancement, and developing climate-resilient crop varieties tailored to withstand extreme weather patterns.
Beyond molecular genetics and agronomy, the program strongly emphasizes post-harvest management, processing technologies, seed quality systems, and the creation of value-added food products.
Millets are particularly relevant to African agriculture because many varieties tolerate dry conditions and grow in environments where water availability and rainfall variability limit the productivity of other cereal crops.
By equipping African agricultural scientists with cutting-edge tools to transform millets into viable commercial food products, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between lab-based research and local agri-food market development.
The program is structured to help returning scientists apply and disseminate their expertise within their home national agricultural research systems.
Originally conceptualized under India’s G20 presidency framework to champion climate-smart “nutri-cereals,” the MAHARISHI framework leverages international scientific networks to elevate traditional grains into cornerstone solutions for climate adaptation, rural livelihoods, and global dietary diversification.
Building on the momentum of the International Year of Millets 2023, it aims to coordinate international research on millets and ancient grains to strengthen global food and nutrition security.
The program is tentatively scheduled to run from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28. Selected international participants will receive full financial support under MAHARISHI, subject to approved program provisions.
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