Capability Statement 2023
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ICRISAT and 50 Years of Impact
ICRISAT Capability Statement 2022
Overview
Foreword
Dr Prabhu Pingali
Chair, ICRISAT Governing Board
Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes
Director General, ICRISAT
ICRISAT is proud to be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022, which was inaugurated in early
February by the Hon. Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The Institute’s illustrious
history has been one defined by scientific research and partnerships which have delivered
numerous world firsts in reforming dryland agri-food systems. These breakthroughs are among
the most tangible impacts of all development interventions in overcoming poverty, hunger,
malnutrition and environmental degradation for many of the 2.1 billion who call the drylands
of Asia, Africa and beyond home. The awarding of the Africa Food Prize 2021 to ICRISAT is
a testament to our impacts and contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals. The
challenges facing the drylands are inextricably linked so our focus lies not only within the domain
of agricultural science, technology and innovation but the social, institutional and structural
requirements of smallholder dryland farming. Our work also has a nation building imperative.
From playing a passive role in economic development, the agricultural sector and the rural economy must now have a strong
and dynamic role in the overall economic development strategy of developing nations. As a global knowledge leader, ICRISAT
looks to the next 50 years with confidence that a brighter future can be created for the myriad of dryland communities whom we
serve. We invite you to partner with us on this journey.
ICRISAT’s unique expertise in the management of dryland ecosystems and genetic
improvement of nutritious grain legumes and dryland cereals that tolerate the vagaries
of climate change, make it an essential partner for research and development to achieve
the SDG targets. ICRISAT’s expertise spans traditional concerns such as malnutrition and
rural poverty to emerging concerns such as diet transition and climate resilience. ICRISAT’s
reimagined strategy elevates its work and positions its science, talent, partnerships and
resources in order to maximize impact on the sustainable utilization of dryland ecosystems
and the poor that depend on them. As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary we extend to you a
cordial invitation to join our mission.
1975
Prime Minister of
India, Indira Gandhi
lays ICRISAT’s
foundation stone
at the Patancheru
campus, India
1972
Establishment
of ICRISAT
1985
ICRISAT’s world first
sorghum and pearl
millet varieties are
released for farming
in Sudan leading to
improved crop yields
1996
ICRISAT
developed the
world’s first
early-maturing
groundnut variety
ICGV 86015
2011
An ICRISAT-led
team maps
the pigeonpea
genome - 48,680
pigeonpea genes
are identified
1979
The first Farmer’s Day
is held to showcase
ICRISAT’s impacts in
India
1991
ICRISAT developed the pearl
millet variety Okashana 1
for large-scale cultivation in
Namibia, contributing to better
food security
2008
ICRISAT developed the
world’s first commercial
pigeonpea hybrid ICPH
2671 released in India
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