In a significant step towards strengthening nutritional security and promoting sustainable food systems, Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation (HKMCF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ICAR – Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad.  The collaboration aims to promote millet-based food initiatives through recipe development, training and awareness programs.  

The MoU signing ceremony, held at Hare Krishna movement Charitable Foundation (HKMCF) Kokapet, was presided over by His Grace Sri Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji, President of Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation, & Regional President, Akshaya Patra Foundation, Telangana & AP along with Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad. 

This association brings together HKMCF’s experience in large-scale food service and welfare programs with IIMR’s expertise in millet research, nutrition and value addition. As per the MoU, both institutions will explore collaboration in areas including development and standardization of millet-based recipes suitable for large-scale kitchens and sharing of knowledge and best practices on millet processing, nutrition, and value addition. 

Speaking on the occasion, His Grace Sri Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji opined that millets are vital for addressing present-day challenges of health, sustainability, and food security. Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research (ICAR-IIMR), Hyderabad, stated that the collaboration with Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation (HKMCF) is a timely and meaningful step towards translating millet research into large-scale societal impact. 

She emphasized that ICAR-IIMR has been at the forefront of advancing millet-based technologies, nutrition research, and value-added products, and this partnership provides an effective platform to mainstream millets through public feeding and welfare programs. Representatives from ICAR–IIMR emphasized that the partnership aligns with the institute’s mission to mainstream millets through scientific research, awareness, and capacity building.