About ICRISAT
- ICRISAT stands for International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics.
- It is an international agricultural research organisation and a research centre of the CGIAR system.
- It focuses on developing resilient dryland farming and agri-food systems, particularly in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Its work addresses hunger, malnutrition, poverty and environmental degradation in dryland regions.
- Its research covers the entire agri-food value chain, including crop improvement, climate resilience, natural-resource management, nutrition and agri-food systems.
Origin & Evolution
- ICRISAT was established on 28 March 1972 through a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and CGIAR.
- Its headquarters is located at Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana.
- India granted ICRISAT the status of a specified “International Organisation” under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, through a Gazette notification dated 28 October 1972.
- ICRISAT operates across Asia and Africa, with a major focus on the semi-arid and dryland tropics.
Mandate Crops
- Sorghum
- Pearl millet
- Finger millet
- Chickpea
- Pigeonpea
- Groundnut
ICRISAT Genebank
- The ICRISAT Genebank at Patancheru is one of the major international repositories of crop genetic resources.
- It conserves over 1.3 lakh germplasm accessions covering 11 crops, collected from 144 countries.
Major Research Areas
- Accelerated Crop Improvement (ACI): Development of high-yielding, nutritious and stress-tolerant crop varieties.
- Resilient Farming Systems (RFS): Climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.
- Transforming Agrifood Systems (TAS): Improving food systems, markets, nutrition and livelihoods.
Conclusion
ICRISAT has evolved into a major global institution for dryland agriculture, crop genetic resources and climate-resilient agri-food systems. Its work is particularly significant for the Global South, where climate variability, water scarcity, malnutrition and smallholder vulnerability intersect.
| This concept has been elaborately discussed in –50 Years of ICAR–ICRISAT Partnership |