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International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
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The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is an international organisation which conducts agricultural research for rural development, headquartered in Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, with several regional centres (Bamako (Mali), Nairobi (Kenya)) and research stations (Niamey (Niger), Kano (Nigeria), Lilongwe (Malawi), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)). It was founded in 1972 by a consortium of organisations convened by the Ford- and the Rockefeller- foundations. Its charter was signed by the FAO and the UNDP.

Key Information

Since its inception, host country India has granted a special status to ICRISAT as a UN Organization operating in the Indian territory making it eligible for special immunities and tax privileges.

ICRISAT is managed by a full-time Director General functioning under the overall guidance of an international Governing Board. The current Director General, Dr Himanshu Pathak, who took the post on 06 March 2025. The current chairman of the Board is Cathy Reade

The semi-arid tropics

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Purple-rumped sunbird in the ICRISAT fields

The semi-arid tropics (SAT) region is characterized by highly variable, low-to-medium rainfall and poor soils, further characterized by lack of irrigation. In general, the historical average annual rainfall in the SAT is below 700 millimetres (28 in). In agricultural policy terms, this region is considered to be a less favored area (LFA).[4]

Research strategy

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With almost 50 years of experience addressing the agricultural constraints in the drylands of Africa and Asia, ICRISAT has developed key strengths which are focused on delivering impact in the drylands in alignment with its mission and mandate. ICRISAT has a unique role in dryland agriculture research for development, working through diverse partnerships across Asia and Africa. ICRISAT’s unique comparative strength has been to conduct upstream science and to translate upstream science to applied research. This makes a difference in farmers' lives by scaling scientific innovations with due attention to the environment, policy, marketing and socioeconomics. In the complex farming systems of the drylands where ICRISAT mandate crops including grain legumes and dryland cereals are grown, integrated solutions are needed to address the challenges of poverty, climate change, nutrition and sustainability of natural resources. [5]

ICRISAT founded the Smart Food initiative [6] in 2013 with the Vision to create a world where food is 'Smart' – good for you, the planet and the farmer. A key objective is to diversify staples across Africa and Asia, with the initial focus on millets and sorghum.

Mandate crops

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Pearl millet seed production plots at ICRISAT (Patancheru, India), the panicles covered in parchment paper bags to ensure self-pollination in this normally mainly cross-pollinating crop (February 2013)

ICRISAT performs crop improvement research, using conventional as well as methods derived from biotechnology, on the following crops: chickpea,[7] pigeonpea,[8] groundnut,[9] pearl millet,[10] sorghum,[11] finger millet,[12] teff, and small millets.

ICRISAT's scientific information by topic, crop, location and resources is found on Exploreit.[13]

Research themes and genebank

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ICRISAT conducts its research under three Global Research Programs (GRPs): Accelerated Crop Improvement, Resilient Farm and Food Systems, Enabling Systems Transformations. These three GRPs are implemented through 18 research clusters.

The ICRISAT genebank serves as a repository for the collection of germplasm of the six mandate crops[14] – sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut; and five small millets – foxtail millet, little millet, kodo millet, proso millet and barnyard millet. The collection has over 128,446 germplasm accessions[15] assembled from 144 countries. Several landraces now conserved in the ICRISAT genebank have disappeared from their natural habitats in Africa and Asia.[16]

Accelerated crop improvement research

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Most of ICRISAT's crop improvement research is directed to deliver climate-resilient improved crop varieties with pest and disease resistance, improved nutritional quality and market preferred traits and improved genetic gains.

Based on an econometric analysis of time-series data for three different types of agricultural areas (irrigated, high-potential rainfed, and low-potential rainfed), non-ICRISAT experts found more favorable marginal returns (measured as Indian rupees of agricultural production per additional hectare planted to modern varieties) for crop improvement research in low-potential rainfed areas than in either high-potential rainfed areas or irrigated areas. Moreover, additional crop research investment in low potential rainfed areas lifts more people out of poverty than in the other two types of areas.[17]

ICRISAT-improved chickpea varieties have been widely adopted in a poor tribal area in Gujarat, India, with favorable impacts on yields, unit production costs, and net returns per hectare/per acre. ICRISAT's package of improved groundnut varieties grown in combination with improved agronomy practices has had a positive result in the semi-arid tropical areas of Central India.

Two major science-based breakthroughs attributed to crop improvement research at ICRISAT relate to pearl millet and pigeonpea. A team of researchers at ICRISAT have released the first public sector-bred, marker-assisted bred hybrid pearl millet, HHB 67.[18] This was released in India in 2006. It is assessed to have superior agronomic performance and improved tolerance to terminal drought.[19] The first-ever release of a hybrid pigeonpea by ICRISAT researchers has been reported in 2008.[20]

Information products and services

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ICRISAT formally adopted an open-access policy for its research publications in 2009. It is among a small number of agricultural research organisations to do so. As of June 2010, about 3000 publications are available on the organisation's website.

Scientists

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See also

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

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from Grokipedia
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a non-profit international agricultural research organization dedicated to improving farming and agri-food systems in the drylands, serving approximately 2.1 billion people across Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond. Founded on 28 March 1972 through a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), ICRISAT operates as one of 15 CGIAR Research Centers, with its headquarters located in Patancheru, Telangana State, India. ICRISAT's mission centers on reducing , , , and in the semi-arid by advancing scientific and innovation tailored to resource-poor farmers. Its vision, as outlined in the Strategic Plan 2025-2030 launched in September 2025, is to foster a prosperous, food-secure, and resilient dryland through three strategic pillars: Crops of the Future, Resilient Agroecosystems, and Systemic Change. The institute focuses on vital dryland crops including , pigeonpea, groundnut, , , , small millets, and select oilseeds, developing improved varieties, sustainable practices, and value-chain solutions to enhance productivity and . With over five decades of expertise, ICRISAT maintains a global presence through offices and hubs in , Eastern and , and West and , collaborating with governments, research institutions, development agencies, and the to deliver impactful outcomes. Leadership includes Dr. Himanshu Pathak (appointed March 2025) and Board Chair Cathy Reade (appointed May 2025), guiding efforts that align with such as zero hunger, , and partnerships.

History and Founding

Establishment

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) was founded in 1972 by a consortium convened by the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations, with support from the Government of India. The institute's establishment was formalized under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) on 28 March 1972. Its constitution was signed by senior representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Bank in June 1972, marking a commitment to international collaboration in agricultural research. The headquarters were selected at , near Hyderabad in , , following an international in 1970–1971 that evaluated multiple sites across the country. This location was chosen for its representation of semi-arid tropical conditions, including a typical with variable rainfall and high temperatures, as well as the presence of major soil types such as Alfisols and Vertisols prevalent in regions. The site's central position in , availability of land through cooperation with the Governments of and , and existing further supported the decision, enabling on-site testing of crops under authentic environmental challenges. The headquarters agreement was gazetted on 28 October 1972, allowing operations to commence. From its inception, ICRISAT's early objectives centered on developing improved crop varieties and resilient farming systems tailored to the semi-arid tropics, aiming to combat , , , and faced by smallholder farmers. As one of the first centers in the system, it pioneered international agricultural research for development (AR4D), emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance productivity in across Asia and .

Key Milestones and Evolution

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) was established in 1972 through a consortium convened by the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations, marking the beginning of its focused efforts on breeding programs for key mandate crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, chickpea, pigeonpea, and groundnut. In the 1970s, ICRISAT set up its headquarters and initial research station in Patancheru, India, on 1,394 hectares of land, with early emphasis on developing improved varieties through collaborative breeding initiatives; by 1975, groundnut was formally added to its research mandate, expanding the scope of genetic improvement efforts. The 1980s saw the establishment of additional research stations, including the ICRISAT Sahelian Center in Niamey, Niger, in 1981, and hubs in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (1983), and Lilongwe, Malawi (1982), which facilitated on-farm testing programs like the Legumes On-Farm Testing Network launched in 1987 to enhance breeding outcomes in semi-arid environments. During the 1990s, ICRISAT deepened its integration within the system, adopting its first Strategic Plan in 1990 to align with global agricultural priorities, while expanding African operations to address regional challenges in semi-arid farming systems. This period included significant achievements in breeding, such as the release of the world's first commercial pigeonpea hybrid in , and recognition through the King Baudouin Award in 1996 for pearl millet and again in 1998 for pigeonpea contributions, underscoring the institute's growing impact on crop productivity. In the 2000s, ICRISAT launched advanced initiatives, including the Center of Excellence in in 2007 to accelerate genomic-assisted breeding for climate-resilient varieties, alongside heightened focus on drought-tolerant and heat-resistant crops to combat environmental stresses in the semi-arid tropics. The institute adopted an institutional open-access policy in 2009, committing to the free dissemination of research outputs through its digital repository to foster global knowledge sharing. The 2010s and 2020s marked a shift toward integrated frameworks, with the introduction of the Smart Food initiative in to promote nutrient-dense dryland crops for improved and across and . programs were updated through strategic plans, such as the 2021-2025 framework and the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan launched in September 2025, emphasizing resilient farming systems, and recent efforts include the digitization of genebank data via a comprehensive digital platform for passport, characterization, and evaluation records to enhance and conservation. Over time, ICRISAT has evolved from crop-specific breeding to holistic systems approaches that integrate enhancement, gender-inclusive practices—such as dedicated women farmers' programs—and sustainability measures, aligning closely with on , zero hunger, and .

Organizational Overview

Headquarters and Global Presence

The International Crops for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) maintains its on a sprawling in , near Hyderabad in , , spanning 1,390 hectares and equipped with extensive research farms and facilities dedicated to dryland agriculture. This central hub serves as the primary base for , housing advanced to support crop improvement and studies tailored to semi-arid conditions. ICRISAT's global presence extends through two key regional hubs strategically positioned in sub-Saharan Africa to address diverse semi-arid challenges: the West and Central Africa Hub in , , which coordinates research across Sahelian and Sudano-Guinean zones, and the Eastern and Southern Africa Hub in , Kenya, focusing on drought-prone highlands and lowlands. Complementing these are specialized research stations in Niamey, Niger; Kano, Nigeria; Lilongwe, Malawi; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, each selected to replicate the varied agro-ecologies of semi-arid tropics in and Africa for on-site testing of resilient crops and farming practices. These locations enable direct engagement with local environmental conditions, such as erratic rainfall and degraded soils, ensuring research outcomes are contextually relevant for smallholder farmers. Infrastructure across these sites includes modern laboratories for genetic analysis and assessment, greenhouses for controlled crop trials, and experimental fields for scaling innovations, often developed in partnership with national agricultural research systems to facilitate field trials and . As a research center, ICRISAT leverages this network to foster collaborative efforts in sustainable dryland agriculture worldwide.

Governance and Leadership

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) operates as an intergovernmental non-profit and a CGIAR Research Center, dedicated to advancing agricultural research in semi-arid regions. It is governed by a Governing Board, which provides strategic oversight and ensures alignment with global objectives. This structure supports ICRISAT's mandate through collaborative decision-making involving international stakeholders. The Governing Board comprises up to 15 members, including representatives from host countries like , donor nations such as , the , and , CGIAR affiliates, and independent experts in and development. As of 2025, the Board is chaired by Cathy Reade, an Australian expert in international agricultural policy and research , who assumed the role on May 2, 2025. The Board operates through specialized committees, including those for programs, finance, , and audit, to address key operational areas. Leadership at ICRISAT is headed by Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak, appointed on March 6, 2025, who is responsible for overseeing the institute's strategic direction, research programs, and partnerships. As an ex-officio member of the Governing Board, the ensures seamless integration between executive management and board-level guidance. Funding for ICRISAT is primarily sourced from the system, which provides core support through its Trust Fund contributed by multiple donors. Additional resources come from bilateral donors, including the governments of and the , as well as foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and partnerships with organizations like USAID and the World Bank. Decision-making processes involve regular Governing Board meetings, including annual sessions for and review, alongside program evaluations to maintain alignment with CGIAR's global agricultural goals. These mechanisms facilitate oversight of research priorities and .

Mission and Focus Areas

The Semi-Arid Tropics

The semi-arid tropics (SAT) encompass regions primarily situated between approximately 20° and 30° north and south latitudes, where annual rainfall typically ranges from 600 to 1400 mm, characterized by high variability, frequent droughts, and erratic patterns that limit agricultural reliability. These areas feature mean annual temperatures exceeding 18°C, with high solar radiation and limited humid periods—often 2 to 4.5 months in drier zones—resulting in substantial water deficits for much of the year. Key environmental challenges in the SAT include poor due to degradation and , acute exacerbated by low and unpredictable , and persistently high temperatures that stress crops and . These conditions affect over 2 billion people across and , where predominates and supports the livelihoods of vulnerable rural communities. The (FAO) classifies much of the SAT as "less favored areas," marked by biophysical constraints such as limited irrigation infrastructure and heavy dependence on rainfed systems, alongside socio-economic barriers that hinder productivity and . In these farming systems, high rates prevail, with smallholder households facing chronic and heightened vulnerability to climate change impacts like intensified droughts and shifting rainfall patterns. ICRISAT targets the SAT regions in and , which cover the vast majority of the global SAT area and prioritize interventions for smallholder farmers reliant on drought-tolerant mandate crops such as chickpeas, pigeonpeas, and .

Mandate Crops

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid (ICRISAT) focuses its efforts on a set of primary mandate crops that are vital for in dryland regions: (Cicer arietinum), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and (Pennisetum glaucum). These nutrient-rich legumes and cereals serve as key sources of protein, oil, carbohydrates, and , supporting and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in semi-arid environments characterized by erratic rainfall and degradation. , a cool-season , provides essential dietary and is cultivated extensively in rotation systems to enhance , while pigeonpea offers dual benefits as a food crop and perennial shrub for . Groundnut, valued for its high oil content, contributes to both human nutrition and cash income in resource-poor households. and thrive under low water conditions, forming the backbone of subsistence farming in arid zones. ICRISAT's secondary mandate crops encompass drought-tolerant cereals such as (Eleusine coracana) and small millets including foxtail and proso. These crops are resilient staples in marginal lands, delivering carbohydrates, micronutrients like iron and , and to combat in vulnerable populations. Finger millet and small millets add dietary diversity with their high calcium and fiber profiles. The importance of these mandate crops lies in their role as resilient, multi-purpose plants that bolster , provide for , and generate income for over 2.1 billion people residing in the world's . As nutrient-dense options, they address hidden hunger by supplying vital proteins, oils, and minerals to smallholder communities, while their drought-tolerant traits enable cultivation in challenging semi-arid tropics where is limited and unpredictable. These crops also promote sustainable farming by fixing (in ) and improving , reducing dependency on external inputs for impoverished farmers. ICRISAT's breeding priorities for these crops emphasize yield enhancement, resistance to pests and diseases, and nutritional fortification tailored to semi-arid conditions. Efforts target higher productivity under stress, such as drought and heat, alongside biofortification to boost micronutrient levels like iron in pearl millet and protein in chickpeas. Pest resistance breeding focuses on traits against threats like pod borers in pigeonpea and aflatoxins in groundnut, ensuring stable harvests. Nutritional improvements aim to develop varieties with elevated omega-3 in groundnut and zinc in sorghum, prioritizing market demand and gender-inclusive traits for broader adoption. Globally, ICRISAT's mandate sustain agricultural systems across and , where they feed millions and underpin economic resilience. The institute has released over 1,281 improved varieties adopted in 81 countries, contributing to improved livelihoods and for millions of people in semi-arid regions. These varieties have been integrated into national programs, enhancing performance and diversifying diets.

Research Framework

Overall Research Strategy

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) employs a core research strategy centered on translating upstream scientific advancements, such as genomics and molecular breeding, into downstream applications that enhance crop productivity, nutritional value, and resilience for smallholder farmers in the semi-arid tropics. This approach aims to address poverty reduction, improved nutrition, and adaptation to climate variability by developing climate-smart varieties and farming practices tailored to dryland conditions. ICRISAT's strategy emphasizes a "science with a human face," prioritizing people-centered innovations that empower resource-poor communities. Key pillars of this strategy include robust partnerships with national agricultural research systems (NARS), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the to scale research outputs, alongside a strong focus on gender-inclusive and sustainable farming systems that promote and equitable access to resources. These collaborations facilitate the co-development and dissemination of technologies, ensuring that interventions are context-specific and foster inclusive market-oriented development. ICRISAT's work centers on its mandate crops—such as , groundnut, , pigeonpea, , and —to drive diversification and resilience in semi-arid agriculture. In September 2025, ICRISAT launched its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which builds on this framework through three pillars: Crops of the Future for climate-smart varieties, Resilient Agroecosystems for regenerative farming, and Systemic Change for inclusive and Smart Food initiatives. A flagship component of this strategy is the Smart Food initiative, launched in 2013, which promotes the cultivation and consumption of nutrient-dense semi-arid crops like millets to combat hidden hunger and build sustainable food systems that are nutritious, environmentally friendly, and economically viable. By branding and marketing these crops, the initiative encourages dietary diversification and supports healthier outcomes for over 2 billion people in dryland regions. ICRISAT aligns its research with the (SDGs), particularly targeting SDG 1 (no ), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals) through agricultural research for development (AR4D). This alignment drives efforts to reduce and while enhancing among smallholders. To tackle semi-arid challenges, ICRISAT adopts a holistic integration of , , and , enabling scalable impacts through systemic changes in agri-food systems that restore ecosystems and boost rural economies. This interdisciplinary method ensures that innovations are not only technically sound but also economically feasible and policy-supported for widespread adoption.

Global Research Programs and Themes

ICRISAT structures its research efforts around three interconnected global research programs designed to address the multifaceted challenges of semi-arid tropics . These programs—Accelerated Crop Improvement, Resilient Farm and Food Systems, and Enabling Systems Transformation—integrate scientific innovation with practical implementation to enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability in systems across and . The Accelerated Improvement program focuses on varietal development through advanced genetic and biotechnological approaches, aiming to deliver high-yielding, stress-tolerant varieties that support multifunctional agricultural benefits. It operates through specialized clusters, including those dedicated to , pre-breeding, physiology and modeling, and sustainable systems, which facilitate the rapid deployment of improved to farmers. This program emphasizes speed breeding and trait engineering to accelerate the release of climate-adapted varieties, contributing to overall resilience without delving into specific details. Resilient Farm and Food Systems program targets agroecological practices and enhancements to build robust farming systems capable of withstanding environmental stresses. Key clusters within this program include agricultural land and water management strategies, improved resilient farming systems integrating crop-livestock-agroforestry, climate information services and ICT applications, and digital innovations, and early warning systems for weather and pest risks. These efforts promote sustainable intensification by linking productivity gains to livelihood improvements and resource conservation in semi-arid regions. Enabling Systems Transformation program addresses policy, markets, and institutional barriers to foster inclusive agricultural growth, with a strong emphasis on , gender equity, and policy reforms. Its clusters cover areas such as access to quality seeds and market-preferred varieties, strengthening markets and linkages, participatory models, empowering women and youth in , promoting nutritious food systems, gender-responsive approaches, and through initiatives like the Dryland Academy. This program supports broader systemic changes by developing tools for and climate-smart practices that enhance resilience and for smallholder farmers. Across these programs, ICRISAT integrates underlying research clusters that span thematic areas like crop modeling for , management, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and digital tools for farmer decision-making. Cross-cutting elements such as data analytics, integration, and monitoring frameworks underpin sustainable intensification efforts, while thematic priorities include climate-smart practices, conservation, and opportunities for women and youth in semi-arid tropics communities. Notable outputs from these programs include guidelines and toolkits for national adaptation plans, which aid governments and partners in scaling resilient agricultural strategies.

Genetic Resources and Crop Improvement

Genebank Operations

The ICRISAT Genebank, established in 1972 and located at the institute's headquarters in , , functions as a key repository for the conservation of in crops adapted to semi-arid conditions. It maintains 132,087 germplasm accessions collected from 144 countries, comprising primarily landraces (80.8%), breeding lines and advanced cultivars (16.8%), and wild or weedy relatives (2.4%) of the institute's mandate crops, including , pigeonpea, groundnut, , , and six small millets. Regional genebanks in (), (), and () support these operations by facilitating local access and backup storage. Core operations involve seed multiplication through controlled regeneration to maintain viability, cryopreservation using liquid nitrogen for tissues, seeds, and of recalcitrant species, and safety duplication, with 128,160 accessions backed up at the under a 2007 Standard Deposit Agreement. Long-term storage occurs under controlled conditions, with base collections at -20°C and active collections at 4°C with ≤20% relative humidity to ensure viability exceeding 50 years. Characterization efforts employ molecular markers for and to assess and authenticate accessions, alongside phenotyping for key traits such as . The genebank distributes under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), having shared 1,681,873 samples with researchers and in 151 countries since 1973 to support global crop improvement. Recent enhancements include ongoing digitization via the Genetic Information Management System () and integration with platforms like GRIN-Global and Genesys for improved data accessibility, as well as expanded high-throughput phenotyping post-2021 to evaluate economic and adaptive traits more efficiently.

Accelerated Crop Improvement Initiatives

ICRISAT employs a suite of advanced breeding techniques to accelerate improvement, integrating conventional breeding with modern genomic tools to enhance and resilience in semi-arid . Conventional breeding remains foundational, involving controlled crosses and selection to combine desirable traits from diverse sources, such as those maintained in the institute's genebank. (MAS) has been pivotal, allowing precise identification and incorporation of genetic markers linked to key traits like yield and disease resistance, thereby reducing the time and resources needed for varietal development. Genomics-assisted approaches further expedite progress by analyzing genomes to pinpoint variations associated with superior performance, enabling targeted breeding for . Speed breeding protocols, including the Rapid Advance (RGA) facility, optimize environmental conditions to shorten cycles, achieving 4-5 generations per year in like , which traditionally require longer periods. These methods collectively reduce breeding timelines from over 10 years to 3-5 years, facilitating faster delivery of improved varieties to farmers. Key initiatives focus on developing hybrid varieties that outperform traditional lines in yield and adaptability. A notable example is the hybrid HHB 67 Improved, released in 2005 through MAS and conventional to incorporate resistance genes into the popular HHB 67 parental lines, resulting in 5–15% higher grain yields and substantial reductions in crop losses estimated at US$8 million annually in regions like and , . In pigeonpea, ICRISAT pioneered the world's first (CMS)-based hybrid, ICPH 2671 (commercialized as Pushkal), released in 2008 in collaboration with Indian partners, which delivers 25-30% yield increases over pure-line varieties due to hybrid vigor. Efforts emphasize climate-resilient traits such as and tolerance, alongside resistance to pests and diseases, and nutritional enhancement through . For instance, breeding programs target in groundnut varieties like CG 7, released in in 1990, which maintains productivity under water-limited conditions while resisting diseases like groundnut rosette; more recently, the variety CG18 (ICGV-SMs 05650) was released in 2025 with similar traits. Pest resistance initiatives include weed tolerance in and , achieved via genomic selection and field screening to modulate host cues that attract the parasite, improving yields in infested African fields. integrates high iron and zinc content, as seen in hybrids like ICTP 8203 and variety ICSR 14001, developed with HarvestPlus to combat hidden hunger in nutrient-deficient diets. Since its establishment in , ICRISAT has released over 1,230 improved varieties and hybrids across mandate crops in 81 countries as of 2023, with adoption by millions of smallholder farmers enhancing and incomes by 10-40% in targeted regions; recent releases include and hybrids in in 2024. These outputs underscore ICRISAT's role in , drawing on genebank resources for parental lines while prioritizing farmer-preferred traits.

Outputs, Partnerships, and Impact

Information Products and Services

ICRISAT has maintained an open-access policy since , ensuring that all research outputs, including peer-reviewed articles, reports, and datasets, are freely available to the global community without restrictions. This policy, one of the earliest among centers, promotes widespread dissemination of knowledge to support agricultural innovation in semi-arid tropics. The institute's (OAR) serves as the primary digital archive, hosting thousands of publications and scholarly materials produced by ICRISAT researchers and collaborators. Key information products include the ICRISAT Dataverse, an open-source platform that preserves and shares research datasets such as phenotypic, genotypic, spatial, soil, and weather data, enabling reproducible analysis and collaboration. The EXPLOREit portal, launched in 2013, organizes and delivers crop-specific information, research topics, and location-based agricultural insights in an accessible format for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Additionally, ICRISAT produces practical manuals and guides on sustainable farming practices, such as those for master trainers in climate-resilient agriculture projects. Services encompass training workshops and capacity-building programs through the Dryland Academy, which focus on agri-food systems and digital tools for extension workers and farmers. Extension materials, including guides and advisories, are developed in multiple local languages to facilitate knowledge transfer in diverse regions. Mobile applications form a core outreach mechanism, with tools like Meghdoot providing weather-based crop and livestock advisories, iKrishi offering site-specific precision agriculture recommendations, and the AI Sowing App delivering sowing guidance via machine learning and satellite data. These products and services have enabled ICRISAT to reach millions of smallholder farmers through digital channels, improving and resilience in semi-arid areas via partnerships with governments, NGOs, and technology providers. In 2025, the institute advanced its offerings with AI-driven platforms, such as the Intelligent Systems Advisory Tool (iSAT), which delivers hyper-local, real-time climate and farming advisories through WhatsApp bots and other accessible interfaces to enhance scalability for vulnerable communities.

Key Scientists and Collaborations

Dr. Himanshu Pathak serves as the of ICRISAT, bringing over 32 years of expertise in , soil and crop management, and sustainable agricultural systems to advance research in the semi-arid (SAT). His background includes significant contributions to climate-resilient rice varieties, which have informed broader SAT strategies for drought-tolerant crops and transformative agri-food solutions. Previously, as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), he oversaw national agricultural policies that strengthened institutional ties for SAT-focused innovations. Dr. Rebbie Harawa holds the position of Director and Global Research Program Director for Resilient Farm and Food Systems at ICRISAT, with extensive experience in agricultural across . Her work emphasizes systems integration to enhance resilience among smallholder farmers, including integrated crop-livestock approaches tailored to African . As Country Representative for , she leads regional efforts to bridge research with on-ground implementation, fostering adaptive farming practices in climate-vulnerable zones. Dr. Victor Afari-Sefa, Global Research Program Director for Enabling Systems Transformation, is an specializing in and , particularly for traditional that boost and . His research promotes consumption of nutrient-rich crops to improve household welfare, integrating economic analysis with supply chain development for smallholders. Through interventions, he facilitates adoption and enterprise growth in SAT regions. Sanjay Agarwal, Assistant Director General, contributes visionary leadership in and program implementation, supporting ICRISAT's strategic partnerships and technological advancements in . With a background as a senior officer, he drives collaborations that enhance resource management and innovation ecosystems, including those involving genetic resources. ICRISAT maintains extensive collaborations with over 50 seed companies and numerous private firms to accelerate hybrid development and commercialization in . As a center, it partners closely with other institutions on shared research platforms, such as the Excellence in initiative, to integrate agronomic practices across global networks. Key ties include national agricultural research systems like India's ICAR, through joint programs on diversification and policy advisory, and universities for in SAT technologies. Partnership models feature joint projects on millet promotion, exemplified by South-South exchanges that train stakeholders in millet enterprise development and market linkages between and African nations. ICRISAT also engages in co-funding arrangements for African initiatives, participating in forums like the @20 High-Level Session to align research with continental goals for sustainable intensification. These networks have amplified ICRISAT's reach, enabling technology transfer to smallholders and influencing agricultural policies in over 55 countries spanning the semi-arid tropics. Through such collaborations, innovations in resilient farming systems have supported and for more than 2 billion people in dryland areas.

References

  1. https://icrisat.org/about/about-icrisat
  2. https://www.cgiar.org/research/center/icrisat/
  3. https://pressroom.icrisat.org/icrisat-launches-bold-2025-2030-strategy-to-shape-the-future-of-agriculture
  4. https://pressroom.icrisat.org/icrisat-welcomes-dr-himanshu-pathak-as-new-director-general
  5. https://pressroom.icrisat.org/icrisat-welcomes-new-board-chair-ms-cathy-reade-and-pays-tribute-to-the-transformative-leadership-of-prof-prabhu-pingali
  6. https://pressroom.icrisat.org/icrisat50-putting-icrisats-evolution-in-perspective-a-three-article-series
  7. https://oar.icrisat.org/486/1/RA_00377.pdf
  8. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/how-hyderabad-got-icrisat/article38386039.ece
  9. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/2ad8a024-69aa-4b13-80d8-d43d36adf544/content/x5805e08.htm
  10. https://cegsb.icrisat.org/celebrating-a-decade-of-genomic-advances-in-agriculture/
  11. https://oar.icrisat.org/mandate.html
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