What are the major capacity-building initiatives undertaken by IIMR to foster entrepreneurship in millet processing and marketing, and how are these linked with national programs like Startup India and PMFME?
The Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) has spearheaded several targeted capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship within millet processing and marketing. A cornerstone of these efforts is the Nutrihub – a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) established under the aegis of IIMR, which provides incubation support, technical training, and business mentoring to aspiring millet entrepreneurs. Through specialised programmes such as the Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) scheme and the RKVY-RAFTAAR initiative, IIMR facilitates access to seed funding, prototype development, and market linkages. The institute also organises frequent skill development workshops, hands-on training modules, and technology demonstrations that equip entrepreneurs with knowledge on value-added millet products, packaging techniques, and food safety standards.
In addition, IIMR plays a pivotal role in fostering market-oriented innovation by collaborating with FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations), MSMEs, and academic institutions. It has established linkages with private sector players and retail chains to enhance the market reach of millet-based products, while also offering guidance on regulatory compliance and branding strategies. Moreover, the institute conducts policy dialogues, millet conclaves, and entrepreneur meets that provide a platform for knowledge exchange and networking. These initiatives collectively aim to build a robust millet-based entrepreneurial ecosystem by addressing gaps in processing infrastructure, market access, and entrepreneurial skillsets.
The Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) has played a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship in millet processing and marketing through a range of capacity-building initiatives. One of its flagship efforts is the establishment of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Millets, which offers training programs, business incubation, and technical support to millet entrepreneurs across India. IIMR has developed more than 60 millet-based product prototypes and facilitates knowledge transfer through hands-on workshops, e-learning modules, and field demonstrations, empowering aspiring agri-preneurs with both scientific know-how and market insights.
IIMR also hosts the Nutrihub, an agri-business incubator recognized by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which provides incubation, mentorship, and funding linkage to startups focused on millet innovations. Through Nutrihub, entrepreneurs gain access to state-of-the-art processing machinery, packaging units, and regulatory guidance. These services have been strategically aligned with the Startup India and PMFME (Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises) schemes, ensuring that beneficiaries not only receive technical training but are also integrated into broader national frameworks for funding, marketing, and formalization.
These initiatives aim to transform millets from a subsistence crop into a driver of rural entrepreneurship, addressing nutritional security while also revitalizing millet-based value chains. By linking capacity building with policy support, IIMR ensures a robust ecosystem for sustainable, millet-led agri-business innovation.
IIMR (Indian Institute of Millets Research) has initiated incubators, skill development programs, and technology transfer platforms to promote entrepreneurship in millet processing, offering support in branding, marketing, and machinery adoption.
L'Institut indien de recherche sur le mil (IIMR) mène plusieurs initiatives importantes pour renforcer les capacités des entreprises et stimuler l'entrepreneuriat dans le secteur de la transformation et de la commercialisation du mil. Ces initiatives se concentrent sur la formation, l'incubation, le financement et le développement des marchés :
- Un incubateur d'entreprises technologiques (TBI) : C'est la pierre principale de l'engagement de l'IIMR en faveur de l'entrepreneuriat. Le Nutrihub offre un soutien complet à ceux qui veulent devenir des entrepreneurs. Le soutien comprend l'incubation, la formation technique et le mentorat d'entreprise.
- Des programmes spécialisés : L'IIMR gère des programmes comme l’Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) schème et le RKVY-RAFTAAR initiative. Ces initiatives facilitent l'accès au financement de démarrage, au développement de prototypes et à la mise en relation avec les marchés.
- Les ateliers et formations pratiques : L'institut organise régulièrement des ateliers de développement des compétences, des modules de formation pratique et des démonstrations technologiques. Ces sessions visent à doter les entrepreneurs de connaissances sur les produits à valeur ajoutée à base de mil, les techniques d'emballage et les normes de sécurité alimentaire.
- La collaboration et partenariats : L'IIMR joue un rôle de catalyseur en favorisant l'innovation axée sur le marché. Il collabore avec des Organisations de producteurs agricoles (FPOs), des micro, petites et moyennes entreprises (MPME) et des institutions académiques. L'institut a également établi des liens avec le secteur privé et les chaînes de distribution pour améliorer l'accès au marché des produits à base de mil.
- Les conseils et le soutien stratégique : L'institut fournit des orientations sur la conformité aux règles et les stratégies de marque, en aidant ainsi les entreprises à se positionner sur le marché.
- Les événements et le réseautage : L'IIMR organise des dialogues politiques, des conclaves sur le mil et des rencontres d'entrepreneurs pour faciliter l'échange de connaissances et le réseautage, en renforçant ainsi le secteur de l’entrepreneuriat du mil.
Ces initiatives visent collectivement à surmonter les lacunes en matière d'infrastructures de transformation, d'accès au marché et de compétences entrepreneuriales, pour créer un secteur entrepreneurial solide et durable autour du mil.