Research and Corporate Profile Transforming Dryland

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2024

Research and

Corporate Profile

Transforming Dryland Agriculture

ICR SAT

2 | Research and Corporate Proﬁle 2024

2024

Research and

Corporate Profle

Transforming Dryland Agriculture

ICR SAT

ICRISAT Headquarters

Patancheru 502 324, Telangana, India

Tel: +91 8455683600

Fax: +91 8455683074

Email: icrisat-ind@icrisat.org

Africa regional ofÏces: Kenya, Mali

Country ofÏces Eastern and Southern Africa: Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

Country ofÏces West and Central Africa: Niger, Nigeria

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a pioneering non-

profit organization focused on scientific research for development, committed to transforming

dryland farming and agri-food systems. Working with global partners, ICRISAT develops innovative

solutions to address hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation, benefiting 2.1 billion people

across the drylands of Asia, Africa, and beyond.

ICRISAT was established under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and

CGIAR, dated 28 March 1972. In accordance with the Headquarters Agreement, the Government of

India has extended the status of a specified “International Organization” to ICRISAT under section

3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 of the Republic of India through

Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. UI/222(66)/71, dated 28 October 1972, issued by the Ministry

of External Affairs, Government of India.

Transforming Dryland Agriculture

ICR SAT

Transforming Dryland Agriculture

ICR SAT

Foreword

Message from the Interim Director General

As a globally leading dryland institute, ICRISAT is proud to

be embarking on new directions marked by half a century of

transformative scientific research and impactful partnerships.

Our history has been defined by a series of world-first

innovations that have fundamentally transformed dryland

agri-food systems, delivering some of the most tangible

outcomes in the development arena to overcome poverty,

hunger, malnutrition, and environmental degradation for the

2.1 billion people who call the drylands of Asia, Africa, and

beyond their home. Our many awards and global recognition

are a testament to the profound impacts we have made and

our steadfast contributions to the Sustainable Development

Goals, alongside the global research efforts of the CGIAR.

The challenges faced by dryland regions are deeply

interconnected, requiring a holistic approach that extends

beyond agricultural science, technology, and innovation. At

ICRISAT, we are equally focused on addressing the social,

institutional, and structural needs of smallholder dryland

farmers, ensuring that our work drives meaningful and lasting

change. Our mission is intertwined with a broader nation-

building imperative—shifting the agricultural sector from a

passive role to a strong and dynamic force in the economic

development strategies of developing nations.

As a critical contributor to the CGIAR network and as a global

knowledge leader, ICRISAT looks to the future with confidence,

knowing that together, we can create a brighter future for the

dryland communities we serve.

We invite you to join us on this journey of innovation and

impact.

Dr Stanford Blade

Interim Director General, ICRISAT

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Research and Corporate Proﬁle 2024 | 7

Contents

1. Overview .........................................................................8

2. Our Research Approach ..........................................10

3. Research Specialties ............................................... 12

4. Services .......................................................................28

5. Regions .........................................................................32

6. Partnerships .............................................................. 34

7. Leadership Team .......................................................36

8 | Research and Corporate Proﬁle 2024

Mission

ICRISAT’s mission is to reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition and

environmental degradation in the dryland tropics.

Vision

A prosperous, food-secure and resilient drylands.

Value Proposition

ICRISAT brings scientific, evidence-based solutions to agriculture and food systems in the drylands with

a special focus on sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The Institute is recognized as a global knowledge leader

and holds 50 years of multi-disciplinary knowledge, experience and expertise in solving some of the most

pressing issues facing the drylands. The Institute has a wide range of global, regional and local networks

and an inclusive partnership approach to developing innovations to deliver at scale.

2016

The first genome

code for cultivated

groundnut mapped

2017

ICRISAT led the

sequencing of the

pearl millet genome

2021

ICRISAT received the prestigious

Africa Food Prize for its work in

improving and disseminating

legume varieties for enhanced

food security in sub-Saharan Africa

2013

High-iron biofortified pearl

millet variety Dhanashakti

developed by ICRISAT,

released in India to address

micronutrient deficiency

2016

ICRISAT-bred first machine-

harvestable chickpea variety

NBeG 47 released in India

reducing manual drudgery

2018

ICRISAT-bred Africa’s first

biofortified pearl millet variety

Chakti released by the Government

of Niger for commercial cultivation

ICRISAT develops India’s first

biofortified sorghum, “Parbhani

Shakti”, with significantly higher

iron and zinc than regular sorghum.

2023

2022

ICRISAT wins the

prestigious UNDP

Mahatma Award for work

in Bundelkhand, India

ICRISAT-bred pearl millet

variety, Okashana 1 first

released for large-scale

cultivation in Namibia

ICRISAT-bred world’s

first commercial

pigeonpea hybrid ICPH

2671 released in India

The first Farmer’s

Day held to

showcase ICRISAT’s

impacts in India

Milestones

2011

1996

1985

1975

1979

1991

2008

1972

Establishment

of ICRISAT

Prime Minister of

India, Indira Gandhi

lays ICRISAT’s

foundation stone

at the Patancheru

campus, India

ICRISAT’s world first

sorghum and pearl millet

varieties released for

farming in Sudan leading

to improved crop yields

ICRISAT developed the

world’s first early-

maturing groundnut

variety ICGV 86015

ICRISAT-led team maps

the pigeonpea genome

and identifies 48,680

genes

Overview

ICRISAT’s world first

world’s first

early-maturing

ICGV 86015

An ICRISAT-led

genome - 48,680

are identified

The first Farmer’s Day

millet variety Okashana 1

for large-scale cultivation in

world’s first commercial

2671 released in India

About us

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a pioneering, international scientific

research for development organization, specializing in transforming dryland farming and agri-food systems.

ICRISAT was established under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and the CGIAR on 28 March

1972. Building upon a legacy of innovation, ICRISAT has achieved numerous world firsts in the realm of dryland agriculture.

These innovations have played a pivotal role in delivering real and tangible development outcomes for numerable dryland

communities, especially smallholder farmers, by providing sustenance, nutrition and livelihoods, with special emphasis on

women, youth and the most vulnerable.

ICRISAT’s headquarters is located in Asia (India), and the organization maintains ofÏces across Eastern and Southern Africa

and West and Central Africa. Our three research programs — Accelerated Crop Improvement, Resilient Farm and Food

Systems, and Enabling Systems Transformation — and two regional programs — Asia and Africa — operate seamlessly with

one another focusing on propelling dryland innovation tailored to local agro-ecologies and their socioeconomic contexts.

ICRISAT recognizes the significance of the dryland crops, will be further accentuated due to the impact of climate change.

Drawing from five decades of expertise, our research will continue to focus on crops such as dryland cereals, legumes

and oilseeds that are vital to ensuring nutrition and livelihoods in dryland communities. This collective knowledge is

progressively shaping the global development narrative on how to fortify a sustainable future framed by the Sustainable

Development Goals.

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Our Research Approach

Research and Corporate Proﬁle 2024 | 11

Accelerated Crop

Improvement

7. Genebank

4. Climate Adaptation

and Mitigation

5. Nutrition, Dietary Behavior

and Smart Food

5. Crop Physiology and Modeling

3. Landscape, Soil Fertility

and Water Management

6. Technology Adoption

and Impact Analysis

1. Genomics, Pre-breeding &

Bioinformatics

2. Geospatial and Big

Data Sciences

1. Markets, Institutions and Policy

6. Cell & Molecular Biology and

Trait Engineering

1. Digital Agriculture

2. Gender and Youth

4. Crop Protection & Seed Health

5. ICRISAT Development Center

3. Agribusiness Innovation

Platform

4. Knowledge & Capacity

Development

3. Crop Breeding

2. Seed Systems

ASIA

AFRICA

Resilient Farm and

Food Systems

Enabling Systems

Transformation

GLOBAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CLUSTERS

Reducing Malnutrition

By focusing on crops that are essential to dryland communities, such as chickpea, pigeonpea,

groundnut, sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, small millet and oilseeds, ICRISAT develops

innovative solutions to enhance crop productivity, nutritional value, and accessibility. Through

its research, ICRISAT develops climate-resilient and nutrient-rich crop varieties that can thrive

in harsh conditions, providing a stable food and nutrition supply for vulnerable populations. By

promoting dietary diversity, ICRISAT’s efforts contribute to reducing hidden hunger, improving

diets, and combating malnutrition.

Partnerships

ICRISAT leverages strategic partnerships to capitalize on the natural synergies and expertise

between organizations for greater impact. One of our strengths is the depth and diversity

of our partnerships across the public and private sectors. Our work is accomplished with the

support of our funders and the collaboration of smallholder farmers, national governments,

international bodies, National Agricultural Research Systems, advanced research institutes

and universities, and the private sector.

Overcoming Poverty

ICRISAT focuses on improving the productivity, profitability, and resilience of smallholder

farmers. ICRISAT in partnership with National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS)

equips farmers with the tools and knowledge to enhance their agricultural productivity and

generate sustainable incomes. It promotes market-oriented approaches, facilitating access

to markets, value chains, and entrepreneurship opportunities for smallholder farmers, thus

increasing their economic opportunities and reducing their vulnerability to poverty.

Strengthening Food Security

ICRISAT is committed to enhancing agricultural productivity to ensure food security.

Through innovative farming practices, ICRISAT empowers smallholder farmers to improve

crop yields and increase food availability in vulnerable areas. This focus on resilient,

sustainable agriculture helps ensure communities have access to adequate, nutritious food.

Building Climate Resilience

By leveraging advanced technologies, precision agriculture, and genetic resources, ICRISAT aims to

enhance the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers in the face of changing climatic conditions.

ICRISAT works to identify and breed crops that exhibit traits such as drought tolerance, heat

resistance, and pest and disease resilience. ICRISAT also promotes agroecological approaches,

conservation agriculture, and efÏcient soil and water management techniques to mitigate the

environmental impact of farming while promoting sustainable resource use. ICRISAT extensively

uses digital tools for climate modeling, climate advisories and geospatial studies.

Championing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

ICRISAT recognizes that women make up more than half the workforce in smallholder

dryland farming. Gender is a cross cutting theme across all our work with the aim of

empowering women in social and economic participation and decision-making at all levels.

Combating Environmental Degradation

ICRISAT addresses dryland environmental degradation through comprehensive strategies,

spanning sustainable natural resource management from farm to landscape scale. Our focus

includes climate-smart innovations, groundwater enhancement, land remediation techniques,

nutrient management, early warning systems, and promoting best practices in landscape

restoration, transforming drylands into productive landscapes.

Message from the Deputy Director General - Research

At ICRISAT, we believe that impactful solutions to the complex challenges facing the drylands must be both

global in vision and local in application. Our programs are carefully designed to tackle the specific challenges

faced by dryland communities in Asia, Africa, and beyond, ensuring that our innovations are both context-

specific, pragmatic, and relevant.

Dr Stanford Blade

Deputy Director General - Research

By leveraging advanced technologies and deep regional expertise, we drive the

creation of resilient and sustainable agri-food systems through our three flagship

programs: Accelerated Crop Improvement, Resilient Farm and Food Systems, and

Enabling Systems Transformation. This holistic approach empowers us to develop

and implement tailored solutions that address the unique environmental, social,

and economic challenges of dryland regions – whether at the micro level of gene

editing, the broader scope of landscape management, or the strategic influence

on good governance and public policy. Our integrated efforts will continue

to ensure that dryland communities thrive in the face of evolving challenges,

securing a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

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Research Specialties

As an international knowledge leader in dryland agri-food systems, our scientific expertise and non-partisan approach is

globally recognized as having produced world firsts and resulted in some of the most innovative solutions to overcoming

hunger, poverty, malnutrition and environmental degradation.

Genomics, Pre-breeding, and Bioinformatics

The Genomics, Pre-breeding, and Bioinformatics Cluster

utilizes leading technologies to enhance the precision and

efÏciency of breeding pipelines across all ICRISAT specialty

crops in Asia and Africa. The cluster leverages forward

and reverse genetics, as well as “omics” technologies, to

improve the understanding and utilization of crop genomes,

characterize pathogens and pests, and identify markers

associated with important traits.

Seed Systems

The Seed Systems Research Cluster addresses the

challenges within the seed sector in sub-Saharan Africa and

South Asia. The cluster strives to improve access to high-

quality seed and crop technologies, promote sustainable

and productive agriculture and establish functional value

chains for dryland crops, to ensure that high-quality seed is

available at the right time, scale and scope.

Crop Breeding

The crop breeding cluster works to bolster crop robustness,

nutritional value, and environmental sustainability. The

cluster aims to create enhanced versions of legumes,

cereals, and oilseed crops, which are vital for maintaining

food security in arid areas. Through ICRISAT's Rapid-Gen

Advancement Facility and top-tier phenotyping facilities,

combined with sophisticated data analytics and modeling

techniques, the cluster brings out superior crop varieties in

partnership with National Agricultural Research Systems.

These varieties are designed to combat the pressing

issues of hunger, poverty, malnutrition, environmental

degradation and climate change.

Crop Protection and Seed Health

The Crop Protection and Seed Health cluster devises

effective and environmentally sustainable methods for

managing crop diseases and pests. The approach includes

integrating traits resistant to diseases and pests into

our breeding programs, early detection and surveillance

of these threats, and formulating Integrated Pest and

Disease Management strategies. ICRISAT has a strong

track record in managing Aflatoxin, employing biological

controls against millet head miner, managing Striga, and

implementing early warning systems.

Accelerated Crop Improvement

Crop Physiology and Modeling

The Crop Physiology and Modeling Cluster is focused

on deciphering the complex interactions between crop

genotypes and their environment. Utilizing innovative

techniques and advanced technology such as LeasyScan

and the Lysimeter station, the cluster aims to accurately

define environmental parameters, develop pertinent

phenotyping approaches, and strengthen breeding efforts

for improved cultivar selection. The team is drawing upon

artificial intelligence and drone-based field phenotyping to

digitalize field and multi-location trials, thereby improving

data gathering and analytical processes.

Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetic

Engineering

The Cell Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering cluster

focuses on the development of innovative biotechnological

tools and precision genetic innovations to enhance the

breeding pipelines of ICRISAT’s focus crops, addressing

production constraints and important traits. Equipped

with a gene-editing lab, a tissue culture lab, as well as

metabolomics and proteomics labs, and complemented

by bioinformatics and computational biology capabilities,

the center is poised to forge groundbreaking solutions in

pursuit of global food security.

Genebank

Founded in 1972, the ICRISAT Genebank in India stands

as a leading entity committed to the preservation and

protection of crop genetic materials. The Genebank boasts

a remarkable repository of over 129,000 germplasm

samples collected from 144 countries. It plays a crucial

role in maintaining the genetic variety of 11 essential

crops, namely sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail

millet, little millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, kodo

millet, chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut. ICRISAT

also oversees regional Genebanks in Niamey (Niger)

and Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). In alignment with the

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food

and Agriculture, ICRISAT facilitates the distribution of

germplasm via the Standard Material Transfer Agreement

(SMTA) at no cost, supporting research endeavors

worldwide.

For more - genebank.icrisat.org

The Accelerated Crop Improvement Program leads the development of ICRISAT’s efforts to improve dryland crop varieties

for Africa, Asia, and beyond. The Program employs advanced technologies and innovative approaches to develop improved

crop varieties with desirable traits such as increased yield, better nutritional quality, and enhanced resilience to biotic and

abiotic stresses.

ICRISAT’s areas of specialization include:

•

A deep understanding of the issues and challenges inherent in the drylands which exhibit some of the harshest

environments globally, that display consistently low human development outcomes and which pose profound

challenges to attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

•

A focus on the most resilient, climate-smart and nutritious legumes and cereal crops critical to the drylands – chickpea,

pigeonpea, groundnut, sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet and small millets.

•

A collection of one of the broadest diversities of genetic resources of our specialty crops which are used to enhance the

crops with which we work.

•

Recognized world-class research across a wide array of specialties ranging from genomics, gene editing, modern crop

breeding, natural resource management, seed systems, climate-smart agriculture, digital solutions to informing policy

on improved markets and institutions.

•

A web / value chain approach with vast experience across agricultural production systems and food value chains.

•

A strong focus on delivery and innovations at scale.

Global Research Programs

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Digital Agriculture

The Digital Agriculture Cluster leads the way in utilizing

digital technologies to revolutionize agriculture and

strengthen farming communities. It employs innovative

digital approaches to tackle major issues in agricultural

efÏciency, sustainability, and resilience. It places a particular

emphasis on delivering weather advisories, improving

access to markets, and fostering transparency throughout

the entire value chain, using real-time data.

Geospatial and Big Data Sciences

The Geospatial and Big Data Sciences Cluster significantly

contributes to research endeavors by producing valuable

geospatial data through the application of Remote Sensing,

Global Positioning System, and Geographic Information

System technologies. Its focus areas range from mapping

crop distribution and predicting yields to detecting

agricultural stressors. The team leverages geospatial

data to address challenges related to water utilization,

increasing productivity, managing soil health, conserving

agrobiodiversity, and adapting to climate change.

Landscapes, Soil Fertility, and Water

Management

The Landscapes, Soil Fertility, and Water Management

Cluster enhances the food and nutritional security of at-risk

households while advocating for sustainable agricultural

and environmental management techniques, innovations,

and tools within the semi-arid zones of Asia and Africa. This

cluster emphasizes

five principal areas: 1. Integrated landscape systems,

2. Comprehensive soil fertility management and soil

health, 3. Monitoring carbon levels, 4. Management of

agricultural water resources, and 5. Advanced

soil laboratories.

Climate Adaptation and Mitigation

The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Cluster

dedicates its efforts to studying climate-related risks

across different agricultural domains, conducting

thorough assessments, and identifying effective

technologies and methodologies to bolster the

resilience of various demographics and stakeholders. It

evaluates collaborative frameworks and communication

methods to enhance the adoption of various mitigation

strategies. The cluster promotes climate-smart

agriculture practices and enhancing risk management

through improved forecasting of climate effects on

agriculture.

ICRISAT Development Center (IDC)

The IDC operates as a translational Research for

Development entity, serving as a conduit between

scientific discoveries and their broad-scale

implementation. The center spearheads various

innovative initiatives focused on landscape resource

conservation, soil health and water management,

agroforestry and customized mechanization. These

efforts are aimed at promoting sustainable crop

enhancement and elevating community livelihoods.

The Resilient Farm and Food Systems Program focuses on enhancing agricultural land and water management approaches as

well as pioneering livelihood alternatives. Its core activities involve advocating for regenerative farming practices, conserving

natural resources, implementing and expanding resilient agricultural systems, and forecasting extreme weather conditions or

pest and disease outbreaks to develop early warning systems and provide timely advisories.

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Resilient Farm and Food Systems

The Enabling Systems Transformation Program strives to create a more supportive environment for the adoption

of context-specific sustainable and resilient agricultural practices that can withstand future challenges. Focus areas

include advocating for good public policy, instituting organizational reforms, advancing agri-entrepreneurial initiatives,

implementing technological advancements alongside nutrition-sensitive innovations, promoting gender equality, enhancing

social inclusion, engaging communities and bolstering the capabilities of essential stakeholders.

Centers of Excellence

Center of Excellence on Climate Change Research

for Plant Protection

The Center works to understand the effects of climate change

variables on the occurrence and distribution of diseases and

insect pests with special focus on legumes (chickpea and

pigeonpea). The facility is equipped with open-top chambers

and Free Air CO2 enrichment to study host x pathogen/pest

x environment interactions and the resistance to pests and

pathogens in resistant and susceptible cultivars.

Centre of Excellence for Tribal Development

In June 2018, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of

India, designated ICRISAT as the Centre of Excellence for

Tribal Development. This center aims to drive positive socio-

economic transformations, empowering tribal farmers to boost

agricultural productivity and elevate their nutritional standards.

Its core objectives are promoting crop diversification to enrich

dietary variety and nutrition, providing training and capacity-

building programs to enhance farming productivity among tribal

communities, and facilitating the establishment of small and

medium-sized enterprise and processing units to add value to

tribal produce and create supplementary income avenues.

Center of Excellence in Genomics

and Systems Biology

The Center of Excellence in Genomics and

Systems Biology is equipped with an Illumina

HiSeq 2500 - the world’s most powerful

sequencer, as well as SSR, DArT and SNP

genotyping platforms to provide (a) applied

genomics research and sequencing, (b) high

quality marker genotyping services and (c)

molecular breeding services.

The center is also equipped with a

computational genome analysis facility to

analyze, store and share huge sequence

data. The facility has supported ICRISAT-

led global gene sequencing programs for

chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut. The

genotyping services, including MiSeq-based

next generation sequencing, are provided

on a cost recovery basis to all partners and

clients from national agricultural research

systems, the private sector and the research

community worldwide.

Knowledge and Capacity Development

The Knowledge and Capacity Development Cluster is

instrumental in advancing ICRISAT’s mission through

the enhancement of various stakeholders’ skills within

agricultural value chains and food systems via the Dryland

Academy. Dedicated to addressing the distinct challenges

faced by semi-arid areas, the Academy provides an

innovative platform that merges thorough scientific research

with practical applications through its learning modules.

Nutrition, Dietary Behavior, and Smart Food

The Nutrition, Dietary Behavior, and Smart Food Cluster aims

to enhance nutritional outcomes by promoting healthy dietary

behaviors, and advancing the production and utilization of

‘Smart Food’ – food that is good for the farmer, good for

the planet, and good for the consumer. With a focus on the

dryland tropics, the cluster aims to address malnutrition,

enhance food security, and improve the overall well-being of

communities.

Technology Adoption and Impact Analysis

The Technology Adoption and Impact Analysis Cluster

conducts rigorous research to address the increasing demand

for evidence on the R&D outcomes of ICRISAT’s research and

investments in the drylands of Asia and Africa. The cluster

develops analytical protocols, tools, and methods to provide

rigorous evidence to support decision-making for impact

analysis, anchoring, and scaling at various integration levels.

It evaluates the contributions of ICRISAT’s technological

and social innovations, critical development outcomes and

measures the cost-effectiveness and rates of return on public

investments in agricultural research and development.

Markets, Institutions, and Policies

The Markets, Institutions, and Policies Cluster conducts

theory-informed and action-oriented research to

promote nutrition-sensitive, inclusive, and resilient farm

and food systems in the drylands. The cluster generates

evidence-based strategies that support market-led

innovations, reshape markets and value chains, and

facilitate agri-business innovations to ensure the supply

of healthy food from producers to consumers while

creating more job opportunities along value chains.

Gender and Youth

The Gender and Youth Cluster acknowledges the

vital contribution of women and youth to agricultural

advancement, especially in the semi-arid regions of

Africa, Asia and beyond. This cluster fosters inclusive

frameworks that actively involve women and youth in

agricultural progress within the dryland tropics. Through

the implementation of transformative strategies and the

pursuit of research for development, the cluster seeks

to amplify the influence and participation of women and

youth within agrifood systems and value chains.

Agribusiness and Innovation Platform

The Agribusiness and Innovation Platform is specifically

designed to cater to the needs of the agriculture

and agribusiness sector. This cluster provides a

wide array of support services such as guidance on

business development, market research and analysis,

opportunities for funding, mentorship programs,

networking events, and targeted training workshops.

These resources are aimed at helping entrepreneurs

transform their innovative ideas into thriving and

scalable enterprises.

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Enabling Systems Transformation

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Sorghum

Sorghum is a climate-resilient cereal and staple food for hundreds of millions of people in the arid and semi-arid

countries of Asia and Africa. Globally, sorghum is cultivated on 45 million ha in 110 countries, including in developed

countries, mainly for food, feed and fuel.

Pearl Millet

Among millets, pearl millet is the most widely grown type of millet. It has been grown in Africa and the Indian

subcontinent since prehistoric times. Pearl millet is well adapted to growing in areas characterized by drought, low

soil fertility, and high temperature. Due to its tolerance to difÏcult environmental conditions, it can be grown in areas

where other cereal crops, such as maize or wheat, cannot survive.

Potential yield:

Varieties: 3.0 t/ha

Hybrids: 4.0 t/ha

Normal duration – 100 - 120 days to maturity

Current yield:

Varieties: 0.8 t/ha

Hybrids: 1.2 t/ha (hybrids)

366 varieties in 46 countries

(Figures as of 2023)

Short duration –

<100 days to maturity

Forage sorghum hybrid

CSH 24 MF recognized as

‘landmark forage hybrid’ in India

Three dwarf sorghum varieties

SAMSORG 52, 53, and 54 released

in Nigeria for high grain and fodder

yields and 7 varieties in India

2019

2023

First ICRISAT variety, Moti

released for farming in India

1978

ICSV 112 released in India and

eventually released in 9 countries

1987

1999

Large-scale adoption of high-

yielding hybrid JKSH 22 by the

private sector in India

First marker-assisted bred sorghum

varieties that are Striga tolerant

released in sub-Saharan Africa

2012

World’s fi rst ethanol from

sweet sorghum - ICSV 25308

and RVICSH28 - produced

from ICRISAT-bred cultivars

2007

High biomass sorghum

hybrid, ICSH 28 for production of

biofuel in India

High iron and zinc variety

Parbhani Shakti released in India

3 high-yielding varieties, Pilira 3,4

and 5 released in Malawi

2016

2022

2020

World’s fi rst high-iron varieties -

SAMSORG 45 & SAMSORG

46 - released in Africa

2017

First ICRISAT variety, Hageen Dura

released for farming in Sudan

Short-duration variety

Yield potential in rainfed areas

Key Traits under Research

Crop Improvement

Milestones

Varieties released from

ICRISAT-origin material

1983

Countries where the

varieties (including

hybrids) are released

• Grain yield

• Drought tolerance

• Grain mold, leaf

diseases & shoot fl y

resistance

• Forage yield and quality

• Maturity duration

• Striga weed resistance

Open Pollinated Variety - 1.5 - 1.7 t/ha

Hybrids - 4 t/ha

65-72 days to maturity

65 - 72

80 - 90

India

Africa

Yield gap

Average yield

Yield potential

Yield gap

4 t/ha

1.2 t/ha

4.5 t/ha

0.6 t/ha

2000

Hybrid Parents Research

Consortium formed

2005

Marker-assisted hybrid for

downy mildew resistance

(HHB 67-Improved 2) released

2021

• TAAW, a top cross hybrid,

seed parents from

ICRISAT-West Africa,

released in Senegal

• HHB 67-Improved 2, a

downy mildew resistance

variety released in India

2023

• Maru Sona (meaning desert

gold) a downy mildew

resistant marker-assisted

selection (MAS) hybrid

released in Gujarat, India

• Three high-yielding pearl

millet varieties, Chakti,

ICMP 1970115 and ICMP

187093 released in Nigeria

Bred through marker-assisted

selection, GHB 538 Improved

hybrid released and notifi ed

for the dry A1 zone of India.

2014

• Smart breakfast (millet/

sorghum fl akes) launched

• Salinity tolerant OPV,

Hashaki 1 released in

Uzbekistan

• Pearl millet genome sequenced

• Heterotic gene pools defi ned

• Downy mildew pathogen

genome sequenced

1982

First ICRISAT-bred Open

Pollinated Variety, WC-C 75,

released in India

1987

Popular ICRISAT variety

GB 8735 released in Niger

2013

First iron biofortifi ed

variety Dhanashakti released in

India

2020

• Nafagnon, the fi rst commercial

single cross hybrid released in

Burkina Faso

• Open pollinated pearl millet

varieties, TSFB 15-4 and TSFB

15-8 released in South India for

superior forage

2017

2018

Chakti, a high Fe-Zn pearl

millet and 5 high grain yielding

OPVs released in Niger

314 varieties in 26 countries

Varieties released from

ICRISAT-origin material

Crop Improvement

Milestones

Short-duration variety

Potential of high-yielding varieties

Key Traits under Research

Countries where the

varieties (including

hybrids) are released

(Figures as of 2023)

Two pearl millet varieties TSFB 17-7

and TSFB 18-1 with superior forage

qualities released in India.

2022

2024

• Maturity duration

• Grain yield

• Stover yield

• Digestibility

• Downy mildew resistance

• Blast resistance

• Iron and zinc levels

• Flowering stage heat tolerance

• Forage yield and quality

• Rancidity

Normal duration – 80 - 100 days to maturity

Short duration –

•

ICRISAT works to develop and enhance resilient, climate-smart and nutritious legume and cereal crops including chickpea,

pigeonpea, groundnut, sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet and small millets. These crops are fundamental to food security in

the drylands. At the systems level, ICRISAT also works on other important crops such as soybean, sunflower, sesame, mustard,

and rapeseed. ICRISAT also collaborates with partners on a wide range of cropping systems, agroforestry and livestock.

Our Specialty Crops

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