Administrative cum Laboratory Building and Pearl Millet Technology Park Inaugurated at ICAR-IIMR, Gudamalani

Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, was the Chief Guest. Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, presided over the programme. Shri Kailash Choudhary, Former Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India; Shri K. K. Bishnoi, Minister of State for Industries & Commerce, Government of Rajasthan and MLA, Gudamalani; Shri Umeda Ram Beniwal, Member of Parliament, Barmer-Jaisalmer; and Dr D. K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, were the Guests of Honour. Dr C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, was the Organising Chairperson.

The dignitaries visited the experimental blocks and research farm of the station and interacted with farmers and scientists. They subsequently inaugurated the new facilities and laid the foundation stone of the residential campus. The infrastructure involves a total investment of ₹1,716 lakh.

The new Administrative cum Laboratory Building and Pearl Millet Technology Park will strengthen pearl millet research, coordination of the AICRP on Pearl Millet and farmer training activities in the arid region of western Rajasthan. The upcoming residential campus and guest house will provide facilities for station staff and visiting scientists.

The Chief Guest and other dignitaries unveiled the inauguration plaque of the Administrative cum Laboratory Building and visited the exhibition showcasing pearl millet technologies, products and allied agricultural services for farmers.

Dr C. Tara Satyavathi welcomed the dignitaries and participants, followed by a presentation by Dr S. N. Saxena, Head, RRS, on the research activities and achievements of the centre. Dr D. K. Yadav, Shri Umeda Ram Beniwal and Shri Kailash Choudhary also addressed the gathering.

During the programme, institute publications were released and the new website of the AICRP on Pearl Millet was launched. Progressive farmers were also honoured with appreciation certificates.

In his presidential address, Dr M. L. Jat highlighted the significance of strengthening research and farmer-oriented initiatives in pearl millet. Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, also addressed the farmers on the occasion.

The programme brought together dignitaries, scientists, farmers and other stakeholders, highlighting the continued efforts towards strengthening pearl millet research and its dissemination among farming communities in the region.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research Regional Research Station on Pearl Millet, Gudamalani, Balotra Rajasthan)