Sabour/Patna: The Department of Food Science and Post Harvest Technology at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, Bhagalpur, marked a milestone on Tuesday with the launch of its Millets Corner, a dedicated space to promote millet-based innovations and food products. The inauguration was attended by Dr Nawal Kishore Chaudhary, district magistrate of Bhagalpur, and Dr D.R. Singh, vice-chancellor of BAU, alongside senior deans, directors and faculty.
The Millets Corner displayed a wide range of products including millet cookies, cakes and cupcakes, as well as fruit syrups made from mango, bael, lemon and pineapple. Other items such as guava jelly, mango jam and tomato chutney were also presented, underlining the university’s focus on market-oriented technologies and value-added food processing.
Led by Dr Mohammad Waseem Siddiqui, head of the department, the initiative is intended to serve as a one-stop hub for food products developed through the university’s research. “Millets Corner reflects our efforts to connect innovation with entrepreneurship, and to give students and faculty a platform to showcase their work,” Siddiqui said.
Dr Singh, the vice-chancellor, stressed the importance of equipping farmers and young entrepreneurs with practical food processing skills to enhance livelihoods, while Dr Chaudhary suggested opening an outlet at Sandis Compound in Bhagalpur to reach wider consumer markets.
The launch comes at a time when India is pushing for greater millet adoption as part of sustainable agriculture practices. BAU officials said the Millets Corner would play a vital role in encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting local economies and driving innovation in the food sector.
