Barmer/Balotra, Sept. 28 -- Rajasthan's first regional bajra (pearl millet) research centre was inaugurated at Gudamalani in Barmer district on Sunday, giving the state's major millet-producing belt a dedicated facility for research and development of improved varieties and seeds. Union MoS for agriculture and farmers' welfare Bhagirath Choudhary inaugurated the Regional Bajra Research Centre, being developed under the Indian Institute of Millets Research as the Shri Anna Global Centre of Excellence. The facility will focus on developing improved and climate-resilient bajra varieties, quality and certified seeds and technologies suited to the dry conditions of western Rajasthan. It will also undertake work related to seed production, biodiversity and bio-certification. Choudhary said the centre would benefit farmers in western Rajasthan and other arid and semi-arid regions. "Work is continuously being undertaken to strengthen agriculture through research and innovation, promote Shri Anna and make farming more sustainable," he said. Bajra is a staple food of Rajasthan, especially of western Rajasthan. The state is also the biggest producer of Bajra, contributing to 42% of India's total Bajra production. vijay mathrani...