Millet Research Institute under cloud as land marking sparks concern

metro india news  I hyderabad

Concerns have emerged over the fresh marking of 10.38 acres of land belonging to the ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Rajendra Nagar by the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL) on April 30, as part of the Musi River development project in Hyderabad. The move has triggered anxiety among the scientific community and agricultural experts, as the identified land forms part of critical, ongoing research infrastructure.

The marked area is integral to long-term agricultural experiments, including millet breeding trials, soil fertility studies, biodiversity conservation, and germplasm preservation. These research activities, built over decades, are considered irreplaceable, with experts warning that any disruption or relocation could lead to irreversible loss of scientific data and national research assets.

Adding to the concern, the marking was completed even as official correspondence was underway between ICAR and the Telangana government. In a letter dated March 25,f ICAR Director General Dr. M. L. Jat urged Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao to protect and exempt IIMR land from the Musi Riverfront project. The communication underscored the national importance of the institute’s research farm and its role in supporting long-term and globally relevant scientific programs.

The issue gains further significance as IIMR is being positioned as a global hub for millet research, following increased focus during the International Year of Millets. The Centre has been extending support and funding to strengthen its global role, and a high-level review by the Prime Minister is expected in the near future to assess progress in this direction.

In this context, the visit of the ICAR Director General to Hyderabad on May 6 assumes importance. The visit aims to review the progress of key agricultural research institutions, including IIMR and other national facilities, while also taking stock of emerging challenges.

There are also indications that other national institutions in and around Rajendra Nagar may face similar land-related challenges under the Musi River development initiative.

Agricultural experts have voiced strong concerns over the potential impact on future food and nutritional security if research lands are compromised. They have called for immediate and coordinated intervention by both Central and State governments, including the possibility of a policy or ordinance to safeguard agricultural research institutions from developmental pressures.

Meanwhile, MRDCL Managing Director E.V. Narsimha Reddy (IAS) clarified that the recent activity was limited to river and buffer zone marking.