More than two billion people live in the semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa, home to one-fourth of the world's population. These drylands are among the most unforgiving environments, with extreme weather events, climate change, poor soil quality, and environmental degradation affecting agricultural productivity. The majority of people in these regions rely on agriculture for survival, with 754 million living below the official poverty line.


Despite these challenges, progress is possible when institutions and nations unite for a common cause. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has been at the forefront of agricultural research and innovation for the past 50 years, working to improve food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.

Establishment of ICRISAT

ICRISAT was founded in 1972 through an agreement between the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the Government of India. Initially conceptualized as a sorghum research institute, it evolved into an international research center focusing on dryland crops. The foundation stone for the ICRISAT campus was laid by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on January 11, 1975. Today, it remains the only international agricultural research center headquartered in India.

50 Years of Scientific Innovation

ICRISAT has pioneered groundbreaking research in dryland agriculture, focusing on climate-smart and nutritious crops such as chickpea, pigeon pea, groundnut, pearl millet, sorghum, finger millet, and small millets. The institute has played a significant role in developing improved crop varieties, hybrid breeding, and agronomic practices that have transformed the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

1970s: Early Research and Foundations

  • Development of pest- and disease-resistant crop varieties.
  • Introduction of watershed-based agronomic experiments.
  • Establishment of the Genetic Resources Unit, later expanding into global gene banks.
  • Promotion of intercropping systems and sustainable land management practices.

1980s: Expansion and Global Recognition

  • Release of improved sorghum and pearl millet varieties in Sudan.
  • Establishment of African research centers, starting with Niger.
  • Visit by Queen Elizabeth II to recognize ICRISAT’s work.
  • Breakthroughs in food security solutions across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

1990s: Breakthroughs in Crop Improvement

  • Initiation of genome mapping for sorghum and pearl millet.
  • Development of the first hybrid pigeon pea (IPH8) in partnership with ICAR.
  • Establishment of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for agricultural planning.
  • Launch of the first Women’s Farmers Day, promoting gender-inclusive agriculture.

2000s: New Partnerships and Innovation

  • Collaboration with the private sector for hybrid research consortia in sorghum, pearl millet, and pigeon pea.
  • Visit by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to inaugurate a genomic facility.
  • Early advocacy for climate-resilient crops, contributing to the Nobel Peace Prize.

2010s: Advancing Digital and Genomic Technologies

  • Sequencing of chickpea, groundnut, and pearl millet genomes.
  • Introduction of high oleic acid groundnut and biofortified pearl millet and sorghum.
  • Digital innovations, including plant disease detection and weather advisory tools.
  • Establishment of rapid breeding technologies to shorten crop development cycles.

2020s: Modernizing Agriculture for the Future

  • Release of high oleic acid groundnut varieties in collaboration with ICAR.
  • Winning the Africa Food Prize for impact in dryland farming.
  • Development of a new strategic plan aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Expansion of the gene bank, curating 129,000 accessions from 144 countries.

The Road Ahead: Transforming Dryland Agriculture

Looking toward the next 50 years, ICRISAT is committed to ensuring food security and resilience in dryland agriculture through three key focus areas:

  1. Accelerated Crop Improvement – Developing climate-resilient, high-yielding crop varieties and improving seed systems.
  2. Enabling Systems Transformation – Empowering women and youth, strengthening value chains, and improving market access.
  3. Resilient Farm and Food Systems – Promoting sustainable water and soil management, climate-smart technologies, and digital innovations.

Conclusion

ICRISAT’s journey has been one of relentless innovation, strong partnerships, and transformative impact. As we face new challenges in climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture, the institute remains dedicated to pioneering solutions that will shape the future of dryland farming. With continued collaboration, investment, and research, ICRISAT is poised to make an even greater impact in the coming decades.

Join us in this mission to build a more resilient, sustainable, and food-secure world.