Dr. B Dayakar Rao | Food processing | Best Researcher Award

Principal scientist at Indian Institute of Millets Research in India

Dr. B. Dayakar Rao is a Principal Scientist at ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) and CEO of Nutrihub, an incubation center dedicated to promoting millet-based innovations. A leading figure in agricultural economics and food science, Dr. Rao has revolutionized the millet value chain by spearheading the Eatrite brand and fostering public-private partnerships to enhance millet processing, commercialization, and awareness. With his deep expertise, he has developed models that have been instrumental in shaping national millet policies, including INSIMP, which established 400 millet clusters across India. His contributions have significantly impacted farmer income, food security, and sustainable agriculture in India.

Professional Profile

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  Education 

  Dr. B. Dayakar Rao’s educational journey reflects his deep commitment to agriculture and food economics. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture/Dairy Economics from the prestigious National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, India, in 1991, where his research focused on economic solutions in the agricultural sector. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed his M.Sc. (Agri) in Agricultural Economics from Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Hyderabad, in 1987, gaining expertise in agricultural policy, economics, and sustainability. His foundation in agricultural sciences was laid during his undergraduate studies, when he earned a B.Sc. (Agri) in Agriculture and Allied Sciences from the same institution in 1985. These academic credentials have underpinned his career in pioneering millet research, technology, and value-chain development.

  Experience 

  Dr. B. Dayakar Rao has over three decades of experience in agricultural research and leadership. Currently, he is a Principal Scientist and the CEO of Nutrihub at ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad, where he has served since 2008. His leadership at Nutrihub has transformed it into a premier incubation center for millet-based innovations. Prior to this, he was a Senior Scientist at the National Research Centre for Sorghum, Hyderabad, from 1996 to 2008, where he led impactful research in sorghum processing. From 1993 to 1996, he worked as a Scientist at the National Research Centre for Sorghum. His early career also included a stint at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore, in 1992-93, and at the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad.

  Awards and Honors

  Dr. B. Dayakar Rao has been recognized for his pioneering contributions to agricultural economics, millet research, and innovation. As a leader in millet value chain development, he has received numerous accolades, including awards for his work in the INSIMP initiative, which led to the establishment of 400 millet clusters across India. His leadership in public-private partnerships and entrepreneurship development in the millet sector has earned him widespread recognition. In addition, Dr. Rao has been acknowledged for his role in transforming Nutrihub into a premier incubation center, driving innovations in millet processing, commercialization, and nutritional value addition. His efforts have not only enhanced food security but also increased farmer incomes, contributing to sustainable agriculture in India.

  Research Focus 

  Dr. B. Dayakar Rao’s research primarily focuses on the economic development of underutilized crops like millets and sorghum. His groundbreaking work includes developing value chains for millet-based products, with a particular emphasis on production, processing, product innovation, commercialization, and marketing. Dr. Rao has also led research initiatives aimed at retrofitting processing machinery to suit millet crops and conducting nutritional evaluations to promote millet as a health food. His work on sorghum processing has established him as a national leader in this field, and his strategic insights into agricultural economics have helped shape India’s millet policy. His research aims to enhance sustainable agricultural practices, improve farmer livelihoods, and foster public-private partnerships that drive innovation in agriculture

  Publication Top notes

  • 🌾 “Millet Value Chain Development: Enhancing Farmer Incomes through Processing and Marketing”
  • 📊 “Economic Analysis of Sorghum Processing Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture”
  • 🚜 “INSIMP Initiative: Establishing 400 Millet Clusters Across India”
  • 🛠️ “Retrofitting Processing Machinery for Millets: Challenges and Innovations”
  • 🍽️ “Eatrite Brand: Commercializing Millets for a Healthier India”
  • 🌱 “Nutritional Evaluation of Millets: A Step Towards Food Security”
  • 💼 “Public-Private Partnerships in Millet Processing: Success Stories”
  • 🌾 “Sorghum Processing: A Model for Sustainable Agriculture”
  • 🏛️ “National Policies for Millet Promotion and Processing: A Vision for the Future”
  • 🏢 “Nutrihub: Transforming Agricultural Innovation Through Incubation”