Annual Report 2023
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ICRISAT Annual Report 2023
ICRISAT Annual Report 2023
Foreword
I am honored to present ICRISAT’s annual report showcasing
some notable developments made throughout 2023.
This year holds profound significance for ICRISAT as it
commemorates the International Year of Millets - a tribute
to the grain that embodies our proud 50-year legacy of
pioneering advancements in climate-resilient, nutritious and
productive dryland agriculture.
I wish to extend my appreciation to the Government of
India for its visionary advocacy in securing 2023 as the
United Nations Year for raising awareness on millets.
India’s efforts to elevate the prominence of this humble
grain on the global stage not only highlights the nation’s
leadership in agricultural innovation but also its role in driving
transformative changes in dryland agrifood systems.
These endeavours, of course, are not undertaken in isolation.
They reflect a collaborative spirit within the Global South,
with agro-innovations from across Africa surpassing what
could be achieved through efforts alone in Asia, highlighting
the power of cooperation.
This deeply inspires us at ICRISAT, as our work in the
development of dryland cereals and legumes and agri-
innovations, more broadly, transcends mere scientific
inquiry. We innovate to provide food and nutrition security
to the billions of people living in drylands. Here, millets and
legumes sustain lives and livelihoods, serving as a lifeline
in the battle against hunger and malnutrition. Notably,
these practical outcomes contribute to the Sustainable
Development Goals on multiple levels.
The year has also allowed us to demonstrate the power of our
own institutional partnerships in advocating for the global
community to focus on the importance of millet. Aside from
national governments, we have been honored to draw upon
our enduring partnership with the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations and other bodies tasked
with promoting and mainstreaming millet to empower
smallholder farmers, foster sustainable development,
eradicate hunger, address climate change, support
biodiversity, and revolutionize agrifood systems.
Finally, ICRISAT’s Governing Board decision to join the
One CGIAR Unified Governance positions the Institute to
accelerate these goals. It is envisaged that this strategic
alignment will result in significant mutual benefits across the
entire research arena, and we look forward to extending our
collaboration.
On behalf of ICRISAT, I thank all our stakeholders, partners,
collaborators, and supporters for their steadfast commitment
to our mission. Collectively, we will continue to sow the seeds
of progress, ensuring a more just and sustainable future for
this generation and those to come.
The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for ICRISAT
on multiple fronts. The resolution passed by the Governing
Board, signaling our intention to join the One CGIAR
integrated partnership, followed by our subsequent
participation, solidifies our formal reintegration into the
CGIAR family.
We are encouraged that this partnership will empower
ICRISAT to further enrich its impactful contributions while
facilitating the exchange of expertise and resources with
the foremost alliance of agricultural research organizations
globally.
This step also underscores the importance of collaboration,
recognizing that the pervasive and complex challenges of
our time, notwithstanding climate change, new geo-political
posturing and other impacts — particularly affecting dryland
agriculture in the Global South — are best met through
unified efforts.
It epitomizes the strength of partnerships, a core principle
deeply ingrained within ICRISAT’s ethos. For the past
50 years, our achievements have been propelled by our
collaborative approach, working hand in hand with partners
to harness scientific research in tackling the formidable
challenges posed by dryland agriculture.
From the development of improved crop varieties in our
advanced laboratories to innovative landscape management
to the promotion of good public policy, our mission is defined
by individuals who steadfastly believe in the transformative
potential of equitable living standards, with nutrition and
food security at the forefront.
With this in mind, I join my fellow Board Members in
extending heartfelt congratulations to the Government of
India for its steadfast advocacy, culminating in the designation
of 2023 as the United Nations International Year of Millets.
This recognition serves as a global validation of the significant
nutritional and food security contributions of this grain.
Few organizations in the sphere of global agricultural
innovation have wielded as profound an influence on millet
development and advocacy as ICRISAT. As such I also extend
my sincere gratitude to its leadership and staff for their
pivotal role, alongside the FAO and other valued partners,
in the successful execution of this Year. It serves as a timely
reminder and celebration of our collective impact in the
drylands of Africa, Asia, and beyond.
In conclusion, I am reminded that the select achievements
presented in this report are made possible by the
generous contributions of our stakeholders, partners, and
collaborators. In the spirit of collaboration and shared
purpose, I extend my deepest gratitude to you, for your
invaluable support and unwavering commitment to our vision
of a better future for the drylands and those who call it home.
Message from the Director General
Message from the Governing Board Chair
Dr Jacqueline Hughes
Director General, ICRISAT
Prof. Prabhu Pingali
Chair, ICRISAT Governing Board
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