Annual Report 2023

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ICRISAT Annual Report 2023

Annual Report

2023

ICR SAT

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

ICRISAT Annual Report 2023

Section 1: 2023 Highlights

Section 2: Corporate

- ICRISAT Governing Board Members

- Corporate Service Directors

- Human Resources

- Business Development

- Finance

- Communications

Section 3: International Year of Millets Highlights

Section 4: Research Outcomes

- Message from the Deputy Director General-Research

- Global Research and Regional Program Directors

- Country Representatives

1. Catalyzing Crop Innovations: Accelerated Crop

Improvement

2. Safeguarding Sustainable Drylands: Resilient Farm and

Food Systems

3. Optimizing Value Chains: Enabling Systems Transformation

Section 5: Publications, Knowledge Transfer and Training

Contents

ICRISAT thanks its donors, partners and supporters for enabling us to keep

delivering the innovations that overcome hunger, malnutrition, poverty and

environmental degradation for the 2.1 billion people who reside in the drylands

of Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

ICRISAT wins the prestigious UNDP

Mahatma Award 2023 for its work in

Bundelkhand, India.

ICRISAT joins the FAO and the Government of India to

celebrate the International Year of Millets 2023 at the

opening ceremony held in Rome. (see page 18)

The food processing unit in Koraput district, Odisha, designed

and implemented by ICRISAT and the Government of Odisha

recognized as the ‘Best Millet Processing Unit’ at the International

Millet Convention held in Bhubaneswar. (see page 47)

ICRISAT partners with FAO Saudi Arabia

to boost the country’s cereal production.

ICRISAT joined the 3rd Agriculture Deputies Meeting &

G-20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting held at Hyderabad.

ICRISAT joined the India Pavilion and AgriFood Pavilion for

panel discussions and featured millets and millet products

at the COP28 showcase corner.

ICRISAT signs the CGIAR

Integrated Framework

Agreement, to join the

One CGIAR Integrated

Partnership.

The ICRISAT genebank deposits 96% of its collection at

the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. (see page 28)

ICRISAT and the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture’s Landscape

Segmented Fertilizer Advisory Tool, Supported by CGIAR’s EiA

Initiative, is helping Ethiopian farmers to significantly improve

their yield in sorghum, teff, and wheat. (see page 32)

Pearl millet and sorghum seed kits were distributed

in areas of Niger and Chad suffering seed loss caused

by drought and exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

(see page 28)

ICRISAT Annual Report 2023

2023 Highlights

ICRISAT Annual Report 2023

India

Nigeria

2023 Highlights

Asia

Africa

Australia

North America

South America

Europe

Sorghum

Pearl millet

Small millet

Active project locations:

Varieties released

using ICRISAT-supplied

germplasm and

breeeding material

176

active projects across

countries

ICRISAT Annual Report 2023

Manoj Ahuja

Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture &

Farmers Welfare, India

(Ex officio member)

Himanshu Pathak

Vice Chair, Secretary, Department of

Agricultural Research and Education &

Director General, ICAR, India

(Ex officio member)

Jacqueline Hughes

Director General, ICRISAT

(Ex officio member)

Prabhu Pingali

Chair, ICRISAT Governing Board

USA

Bonnie McClafferty

Folasade Ogunde

Chair, Audit and Risk Committee

Nigeria

Cathy Reade

Chair, Corporate Governance

Committee

Australia

Yaye Kene Gassama

Shenggen Fan

Member, CGIAR System Board

China

A Santhi Kumari

Chief Secretary of the State of

Telangana, India

(Ex officio member, from Jan 2023)

Yilma Kebede

Chair, Program Committee

Ethiopia

Alice Ruhweza

Member, CGIAR System Board

Uganda

Regine Andersen

ICRISAT Governing Board Members

Lindiwe Sibanda

Chair, CGIAR System Board

Zimbabwe

Corporate

Jim Godfrey

Chair of Finance, Operations

and Resource utilization

Committee (until Oct 2023)

Laurie Tollefson

Independent Member

(until Apr 2023)

Canada

Somesh Kumar

Chief Secretary of the State of

Telangana, India

(Ex officio member, until Jan 2023)

Patrick Caron

Vice Chair, CGIAR System Board

France

Member, Audit and Risk Committee

USA

Member, Corporate Governance

Committee

Norway

Member, Audit and Risk Committee

Senegal

Hilary Wild

CGIAR System Board

UK / Ireland

Neal Gutterson

CGIAR System Board

USA

Alyssa Jade

McDonald-Baertl

CGIAR System Board

Australia

ICRISAT Annual Report 2023

In the past year, ICRISAT has continued to invest in its human

capital, recognizing that our workforce is integral to achieving

our organizational goals. With over 2,200 workforce members

from 27 different nations, our diverse team hails from around

the globe to deliver on our mission. Efforts to enhance staff

retention have been evident through strategic interventions

in organizational development and compensation and

benefits. Notably, pay scales were revised globally following a

comprehensive salary review.

Capacity development remains a priority for the Institute, with

over 21% of staff members benefiting from internal career

progression opportunities. In a pioneering move, ICRISAT

successfully conducted its first-ever election for the Global

Staff Council, ensuring representation from all job grades

and locations. This platform empowers staff to voice their

opinions and ideas, facilitating formal consultation on critical

organizational matters.

A thriving organizational culture is essential for maintaining

staff morale and engagement. ICRISAT remains committed to

fostering a positive work environment through ongoing efforts

in culture building, learning and development, and diversity

and inclusion initiatives. Strategic recruitment efforts have

strengthened senior management and leadership cadres,

focusing on achieving gender balance.

In 2023, we maintained strong partnerships

with 70 collaborators and embarked on 58

new projects, bringing our total active projects

to 176. These initiatives reflect our ongoing

commitment to advancing sustainable

agricultural solutions and driving positive

change in dryland regions.

Partnerships form the cornerstone of

ICRISAT’s approach to developing sustainable

and impactful solutions. By fostering

interdisciplinary collaboration, we leverage our

globally recognized team of agriculture and

food scientists alongside strategic partnerships

with governments, research institutions,

philanthropic organizations, NGOs, the private

sector, and development practitioners. These

alliances amplify the reach and impact of our

work, enabling us to scale evidence-based

interventions and drive lasting change in

dryland agri-food systems.

2,200+

Workforce members

Different

nations

Working

across

Countries

Human Resources

Business Development

ICRISAT and Zuari Farm Hub Limited unite to enhance digital

innovations in India.

ICRISAT and Haryana Agricultural University collaborate to

advance agricultural research and training in the state.

A delegation from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the

Netherlands to Mali discuss avenues for deeper cooperation

with ICRISAT’s West and Central Africa Regional Office.

Corporate Service Directors

Ramon Peachey

Communications

Angshu Sengupta

Deputy Director General

Sanjay Agarwal

Assistant Director General

Lydia Murimi

Business Development

Kunal Sarkar

Human Resources

ICRISAT’s Corporate Services Division ensures the seamless operation of ICRISAT’s mission. The division supports all

departments, allowing them to concentrate on their primary tasks while overseeing essential functions such as Human

Resources, Communications, Finance and Business Development.

ICRISAT and the Indian Oilseeds & Produce Export

Promotion Council collaborate to boost India’s oilseed

production.

Over the past five decades, our collaborative efforts

have been instrumental in promoting resilience and

prosperity in the communities we serve. We extend

our sincere appreciation to our funders and partners

for their invaluable support, which has empowered

smallholder farmers in drylands to tackle poverty, hunger,

malnutrition, and environmental degradation through

efficient, sustainable, and profitable agriculture.

Universities and

Research Institutes 35

Partners

2023

Private Sector and

Seed companies 48

Governments 30

Foundations

and Trusts 16

CGIAR 8

Bilateral 6

Multilateral 14

International NGOs 6

NGOs 26

ICRISAT Annual Report 2023

Finance

Financial Summary

US$ thousands

Grant Revenue 2023 vs 2022 in USD '000

30,000

25,000

20,000

2023

2022

With the entry of 58 new projects in 2023, the year also saw a 20% increase in grant

revenue compared to 2022.

2023

2022

Assets

Investments, Cash and Cash equivalents

9,265

11,687

Current Assets

25,558

23,242

Property, Plant and Equipment

17,615

7,134

Other Non Current Assets

1,935

2,319

Total Assets

54,373

44,382

Liabilities

Current Liability

15,184

12,558

Net Assets

Unrestricted Net Asset

17,089

21,596

Restricted Assets

22,100

10,228

Total Net Assets

39,189

31,824

Total Laibilities & Net Assets

54,373

44,382

ICRISAT Annual Report 2023

Visitors

During 2023, the Communications Department embarked

on a series of new initiatives aimed at bolstering our

engagement with key stakeholders. Among these endeavors

was the refinement of our communications strategy, honing

in on fostering meaningful connections with National

Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), government decision-

makers, partners and funders, and influential members of the

media sector.

We finalized the development of a new institutional website

for launch in early 2024 featuring a contemporary design

and enhanced user navigation, alongside planning for a new

modernized logo and slogan more emblematic of our core

competencies and expertise.

Our concerted efforts to expand media outreach yielded

results throughout the year. We achieved extensive coverage,

accumulating a total of 4,039 mentions, with significant

visibility attained for the International Year of Millets 2023

through major channels such as France TV 24 and the Dutch

Broadcasting Foundation (NOS), as well as through a diverse

array of global and regional outlets spanning from MSN in the

USA to Forbes, News Ghana, The Hindu Business Line and

Infobae in Argentina and across over ten strategic markets.

Our social media presence witnessed substantial growth, with

our combined platforms now exceeding 200,000 followers.

Notably, our specialized International Year of Millets 2023

Communications

educational series garnered over 2 million impressions. It

reached 160,000 individuals, earning on-promotion from

entities including the CGIAR, International Treaty on Plant

Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, FAO Saudi

Arabia, Crop Trust, International Year of Millets 2023 Steering

Committee, UN Biodiversity, The Forum for Agricultural

Research in Africa (FARA), The Asia-Pacific Association of

Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) and others.

In tandem with our media program, oversight of the

Open Access Repository witnessed an uptick with 245

authored and co-authored publications, underscoring our

commitment to knowledge dissemination. Weekly internal

and monthly external newsletters ensured that both our

internal staff and external subscribers remained abreast

of developments. The communications team efficiently

attended to communication requests from across the

Institute and affiliated institutions, successfully completing

313 significant projects spanning media services, graphic

design, videography, and printing.

As physical visits to ICRISAT HQ surged to 13,038 visitors,

plans were initiated to develop a tailored online booking

system poised to streamline visitor management processes

and integrate seamlessly into our newly revamped website

in 2024. This will now offer visitors convenient access to all

ICRISAT locations with a simple click.

X (formerly Twitter)

51,622

Followers

32,258

Followers

111,461

Followers

284,504

visits

13,038

Visitors to ICRISAT HQ

47,374

engagements

51,415

engagements

107,397

engagements

Facebook

YouTube

Website interactions

59,068

total views

38 videos and

3 livestreams

585

new subscribers

671,417

impressions

861,537

impressions

944,284

impressions

1,548,555

impressions

ICRISAT welcomed a delegation from Canada featuring

the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,

Ms Marie-Claude Bibeau, alongside His Excellency,

Mr Cameron MacKay, the High Commissioner for Canada

in India on 15 June 2023.

His Excellency Mr Thierry Berthelot, Consul General of France in Bangalore, India, led a

delegation to visit ICRISAT and its Center for Excellence in Genomics and Systems Biology

(CEGSB) on 12 January 2023.

The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations, Dr. Qu

Dongyu, paid a visit to ICRISAT headquarters on

14 June 2023.

Media

4,039

Mentions

Highlights

ICRISAT Annual Report 2023

The International Year of Millets in 2023 marked a momentous year in recognizing the significance of

these nutritious grains in global food systems. Millets, with their resilience to climate change and rich

nutritional profile, play a crucial role in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.

This year's designation emphasized the need to raise awareness about the benefits of millets, fostering

their cultivation, consumption, and value chains worldwide. ICRISAT, a recognised global leader in millet

development, was proud to partner with the FAO in promoting the International Year of Millets 2023 across

all regions where the Institute operates.

1. International Year of Millets 2023 opening ceremony in Rome.

2. As part of the World Food Day 2023 celebrations, ICRISAT conducted a Smart Food workshop in the Kayes region of Mali. The event

attracted both women and men, providing them with training on how to prepare local food from crops such as sorghum, millet,

groundnut, and cowpea.

3. ICRISAT partnered with the Indian High Commission in Malawi and organized a millets exhibition to celebrate the International Year of

Millets at Lilongwe, Malawi.

4. The ICRISAT millet exhibit at the International Nutri Cereal Convention 5.0 organized by the Indian Institute of Millets Research.

5. Director General of ICRISAT, Dr Jacqueline Hughes and Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and

Education, Government of India, co-chaired the opening session of the high-level forum ‘Developing a Roadmap for Promoting Millets

for Sustainable Agriculture.

6. ICRISAT co-organized a field day to mark IYM2023 at Matopos, Zimbabwe and showcased millet varieties to stakeholders across the

value chain.

7. ICRISAT showcased products from the millet processing unit at Koraput at the International Convention on Millets (ICMOdisha2023) held in

Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.

8. ICRISAT displayed various millet varieties and innovative millet products at G20.

9. ICRISAT partnered with the Indian High Commission in Malawi and organized a millets exhibition to celebrate the International Year of Millets at

Lilongwe, Malawi.

10. His Excellency Mizengo Pinda, Former Prime Minister of Tanzania visits ICRISAT’s Millet Exhibit at the 13th annual Africa Food Systems Forum

held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

11. Mr Mithika Linturi, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Government of Kenya, Prof Ratemo W Michieka, Chairman of Kenya Sciences visits

ICRISAT’s millet booth at Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication symposium, Kenya.

12. ICRISAT joins regional side events, celebrating the International Year of Millets in Nigeria.

13. ICRISAT facilitated the discussion on promoting millet cultivation with the Assam Millets Mission.

14. ICRISAT showcased millet products at the 4th edition of Millets & Organics – International Trade Fair 2023, organized by the Department of

Agriculture & KAPPEC, Government of Karnataka.

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