𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚

In Satara, Maharashtra, farmers like Shri Shriram Waghde faced challenges with low yields in pearl millet despite practicing chemical-free farming. Recognizing this, experts from ICAR-NIASM, ICAR-IIMR, ICAR-ATARI Zone X Hyderabad, and ICAR-KVK Banavasi collaborated to provide biofortified pearl millet seeds of variety ABV 04 along with technical training.

The ABV 04 variety, rich in iron and zinc, matures early in just 86 days, and offers high grain and fodder yields. When grown in Satara, it exceeded farmers’ expectations—improving harvests and enhancing nutritional value. This success has inspired larger adoption and strengthened farmer livelihoods with healthier food and better incomes.

This success shows how innovation and teamwork can turn challenges into opportunity. By growing biofortified pearl millet ABV 04, Satara farmers are boosting yields, nutrition, and incomes—building a stronger future for their communities