The Millet Research Institute (MRI) of Shanxi Agricultural University (SXAU) was established in 1942. The institute focuses on the research of crop germplasm resources, genetic breeding, molecular breeding, biotechnology, physiology and biochemistry, tillage and cultivation, soil fertility, plant protection, dryland farming, and grain processing. Its research spans foxtail millet, maize, wheat, soybean, and other vegetables.
Located in the northeast corner of Changzhi City, the MRI covers 59.3 hectares, including more than 40 hectares of experimental fields. The institute also has over 6,000 square meters of research and experimental office buildings. Additionally, there is a scientific and technological innovation demonstration base in Gu Village, Zhangzi County.
MRI operates eight scientific research platforms, including the Changzhi Sub-Center of the National Millet Improvement Center, the National Millet Original Seed Propagation Base, one of the National Agricultural Environment Observation Experimental Stations, the Changzhi Comprehensive Test Station of the National Maize Industry & Technology System, the Shanxi Key Laboratory of Characteristic Cereal Crops Germplasm Resource Exploration and Genetic Improvement, the Shanxi Technology Innovation Team of Millet Hybrid Advantage and Molecular Mechanism Research, the Shanxi Millet Science & Technology Innovation Strategic Union, and the Gu Village Science & Technology Innovation Demonstration Base.
The institute has nine research departments: the Millet Breeding Research Office, Millet Cultivation Research Office, Maize Research Office, Wheat Research Office, Dryland Farming Technology Research Office, Molecular Breeding Research Office, Biotechnology Research Office, Cash Crop Research Office, and Grain Processing Research Office. MRI currently employs 118 staff members.
More information: https://www.sxau.edu.cn/en/Institutes/Institute_of_Millet.htm.
