In a first-of-its-kind collaboration between global fast food and Indian food science, McDonald’s has rolled out its new Millet Bun Burger, a product developed using indigenous technology from the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru.
The launch has been widely celebrated by the Central government as a major step in India’s “Millet Revolution”, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to popularise traditional Indian grains worldwide.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed the initiative on X (formerly Twitter), calling it proof that “Videshi has turned Swadeshi.” He wrote,
“As the popular international food chain McDonald’s serves India’s Millet Bun Burger prepared using indigenous technology developed by Mysuru-based CSIR–CFTRI, it marks a proud moment showcasing how Indian innovation and traditional nutrition are reshaping global food trends.”
“Videshi turns to #Swadeshi” as the popular international food chain McDonald’s serves India’s “Millet Bun Burger”, prepared using indigenous technology developed by the Mysore based #CSIR institute, the “Central Food Technological Research Institute “ #CFTRI.
A proud moment… pic.twitter.com/yGyya94anf
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 2, 2025
Singh further said the move is a “grand vindication” of India’s Millet Movement, which received global recognition when the United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets following a proposal spearheaded by India.
The launch of the Millet Bun Burger aligns with the government’s broader campaign to mainstream nutri-cereals like jowar, bajra, ragi, and kodo millet across food programs, restaurants, and international markets.
Experts say this innovation bridges the gap between traditional nutrition and modern convenience, making healthy grains more accessible to urban youth. The CFTRI’s millet-based technology ensures better texture, taste, and shelf stability, critical for fast-food integration.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and CSIR have been working together to promote millet-based value-added products in both domestic and export markets. Policymakers note that the global fast-food sector adopting Indian grains could significantly boost demand for local millet farmers.
Millets are not only nutrient-rich, packed with iron, calcium, and B vitamins, but also highly sustainable, requiring minimal water and thriving in semi-arid conditions. Their inclusion in mainstream menus, from home kitchens to multinational chains, marks a shift toward climate-resilient and health-conscious diets.
As India continues to integrate indigenous crops with modern innovation, the Millet Bun Burger stands as a symbol of the nation’s growing food technology capabilities and cultural confidence.
With India positioning itself as a global leader in millet innovation, this McDonald ’s-CSIR partnership could pave the way for similar collaborations that merge global appeal with local roots.
