ICRISAT reaffirms scale innovations support small farmers of global south
ICRISAT marked 55 years of research impact in dryland agriculture at its Patancheru headquarters, highlighting its contributions to climate-resilient farming, global partnerships and science-led innovation, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa
Sangareddy: With its mission to end poverty, hunger and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics, the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) marked 55 years of science-driven impact across Asia and Africa at its headquarters in Patancheru on March 27. With colleagues from Africa joining virtually, the event brought together distinguished dignitaries, scientists, partners and staff to reflect on its legacy and reaffirm its commitment to advancing climate-resilient, farmer-centred solutions.
Director General of ICRISAT Dr Himanshu Pathak, who underscored the institute’s impact and called for renewed focus on science-led innovation, observed that ICRISAT has built a strong foundation in dryland science for over 55 years. He said the priority now is to scale innovations that deliver resilience and sustainability across the global south. Through their research efforts, public-private partnerships and platforms such as ISSCA and initiatives like CATALYST, the DG said they are well positioned to achieve the goal.
The event was chaired by Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between national governments, National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and organisations such as ICRISAT and CGIAR to advance science and technology.
Highlighting government-led initiatives that connect technological innovations to the last mile, including programmes such as the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG), Prof Sood underscored the importance of linking science with grassroots needs and lauded ICRISAT’s role in bridging global research with national priorities.
The Foundation Day was also marked across ICRISAT’s locations in Africa, including Kenya, Mali, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, where teams celebrated staff achievements and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing resilient agrifood systems.
As ICRISAT enters its 56th year, it remains focused on scaling science-driven innovations, deepening partnerships and delivering measurable impact for smallholder farmers across the semi-arid tropics and the global south.
