ICRISAT Announces Dr. Himanshu Pathak as New Director General

The Governing Board of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has announced the appointment of Dr. Himanshu Pathak as the Director General-designate of the esteemed institute. The announcement was made by Governing Board Chair Professor Prabhu Pingali during an all-staff event held on Friday, October 18, at ICRISAT headquarters in Hyderabad.

Announcement 

• The Governing Board of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has appointed Dr. Himanshu Pathak as Director General-designate.

Date 

• The announcement was made during an all-staff event on October 18 at ICRISAT headquarters in Hyderabad, India, by Governing Board Chair Professor Prabhu Pingali.

Current Role 

• Dr. Pathak is currently the Secretary at the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India, and serves as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Expertise 

• He brings extensive experience in global agricultural research and development, which will be crucial as ICRISAT addresses challenges in expanding drylands.

Focus Areas 

• Under Dr. Pathak’s leadership, ICRISAT aims to build resilient and sustainable agri-food systems across Asia, Africa, and beyond.

Welcoming Remarks

• Professor Pingali expressed confidence in Dr. Pathak’s strategic vision and leadership, stating that ICRISAT will continue to form powerful alliances and set new standards in agricultural innovation and global food security.

Acknowledgment of Outgoing Director 

• The Governing Board thanked outgoing Director General Dr. Jacqueline Hughes for her dedicated leadership during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global operations.

Future Directions 

• As ICRISAT enters its 52nd year, Dr. Pathak’s leadership is seen as the beginning of a new chapter, with plans for strategic growth and excellence in dryland research.

Overview of the ICRISAT

Mission and Commitment

• ICRISAT is a pioneering international organization dedicated to improving dryland farming and agri-food systems, addressing hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation affecting 2.1 billion people in dryland regions of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.

Establishment

• Founded on March 28, 1972, through a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and the CGIAR (Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers).

International Status 

• Recognized as a specified “International Organisation” under section 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, by the Government of India.

Innovative Achievements

• Mapped the genome code for cultivated groundnut—the first of its kind.
• Released the first commercial pigeonpea hybrid in India.
• Introduced Africa’s first biofortified pearl millet.
• These innovations have significantly impacted dryland communities by enhancing sustenance, nutrition, and livelihoods, particularly for women and vulnerable populations.

Headquarters and Offices

• Located in India (Asia), with offices in Eastern and Southern Africa, and West and Central Africa.