Millets thrive on arid lands, require minimal inputs, and are highly tolerant to climate variability-making them a sustainable solution for enhancing self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imported cereals. Recognizing their critical role in addressing global security and climate resilience, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). While the Food and Agriculture Organization spearheaded global efforts to raise awareness of the importance of these nutrient-rich, climate-resilient crops, the International Atomic Energy Agency, with its dedicated laboratories managed through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture continued to dedicate some its research and development to these crops.
The IYM 2023 catalysed momentum for increased research, investment, and policy support across the millet value chain. In support of this global initiative, the IAEA, through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, launched a Coordinated Research Project (CRP) titled Accelerated Genetic Improvement of Key Dryland Millets for Climate Change Adaptation. This project aims to develop novel genetic stocks of key dryland millet species-pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet and proso millet-by applying mutation breeding and advanced biotechnologies, including genomics and gene editing.
Now in its second year, the project has built a strong international consortium that brings together leading research institutes, universities, and agricultural organizations from Burkina Faso, China, Ethiopia, India, Namibia, Sri Lanka and the USA, in collaboration with the FAO Plant Production and Protection Division.
A Research Coordination Meeting for the project took place from 7-11 April 2025 in Vienna, Austria to assess progress and strategize next steps. This meeting provided a platform for participating scientists to present early results, exchange knowledge, and jointly develop strategic work plans. The discussions focused on deploying high-throughput digital phenotyping tools, integrating genomics, and applying novel breeding technologies to fast-track varietal development. Emphasis was also placed on improving millet resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as enhancing nutritional profiles to meet global health needs.
This CRP is not only generating new scientific knowledge but also strengthening national capacities in plant breeding and genetics, while supporting smallholder farmers through the development of adaptable, productive, and resilient millet varieties. The initiative embodies a holistic, interdisciplinary approach, addressing breeding, agronomy, climate resilience, value addition, market development, and policy advocacy.
By forging global partnerships, fostering innovation, and building scientific capacity, this project illustrates how collaborative research can drive sustainable transformation in the millet sector and beyond-ensuring resilient agrifood systems for future generations.
