International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a non-profit, international agricultural research organisation that works to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and improve livelihoods in the semi-arid tropics. Established in 1972, ICRISAT operates under the umbrella of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and is headquartered in Patancheru, near Hyderabad, India. The institute conducts scientific research focused on resilient farming systems, crop improvement, and sustainable agricultural development across Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Historical Background and Establishment

ICRISAT was founded through an international collaborative effort involving the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Government of India. Its inception was driven by the urgent need to address hunger and poverty in the semi-arid tropics, regions characterised by erratic rainfall, drought, and poor soil fertility. These regions cover parts of 55 developing countries and are home to more than two billion people.
The institute became operational in 1972, with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) playing a key role in facilitating its establishment. Over the decades, ICRISAT expanded its operations through regional hubs in Africa, including locations in Niger, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mali, and Malawi, to cater to region-specific agricultural challenges.

Mandate and Mission

ICRISAT’s core mandate revolves around agricultural research for development (AR4D). Its mission is to reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and environmental degradation in the semi-arid tropics through innovative agricultural solutions. The institute prioritises smallholder farmers, aiming to improve their resilience to climate variability and enhance the profitability of their farming systems.
The mission is realised through multi-disciplinary approaches that integrate crop breeding, agronomy, soil science, climate modelling, and socio-economic research. ICRISAT operates under three strategic goals:

1. Increasing productivity and profitability of dryland farming systems.
2. Enhancing nutrition and food security through biofortified and diverse crops.
3. Ensuring environmental sustainability and resilience to climate change.

Research Focus and Key Crops

ICRISAT concentrates its research on five core mandate crops, which are vital for food and livelihood security in semi-arid regions:

• Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) – a staple cereal crop known for its drought tolerance and versatility.
• Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) – an essential grain for dry regions, rich in micronutrients.
• Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) – a leading pulse crop that contributes to soil nitrogen fixation.
• Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) – a drought-resistant legume crucial for protein intake.
• Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) – an important oilseed crop providing dietary fats and income.

In addition to these, ICRISAT conducts research on minor millets, climate-smart agriculture, and agro-ecological intensification.

Major Research Programmes and Initiatives

ICRISAT’s research programmes are organised into thematic areas:

• Accelerated Crop Improvement: Use of genomics, molecular breeding, and biotechnology to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties.
• Resilient Farm and Food Systems: Focused on integrating soil health management, water conservation, and crop diversification.
• Nutrition, Health, and Food Safety: Promoting biofortified crops to combat hidden hunger and improve dietary quality.
• Digital Agriculture: Leveraging remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and mobile platforms to support farmers with real-time information.

One of ICRISAT’s landmark initiatives is the HOPE Project (Harnessing Opportunities for Productivity Enhancement), which improved sorghum and millet productivity across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Another key programme is the Village Dynamics in South Asia (VDSA), which provides socio-economic data for policy formulation.

Partnerships and Collaborations

ICRISAT’s success is built on strong partnerships with national agricultural research systems (NARS), non-governmental organisations, private sector entities, and international agencies. Collaborative research projects with ICAR, African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), and various universities contribute to technology dissemination and capacity building.
The institute also plays a pivotal role in policy advocacy, providing evidence-based recommendations to governments on agricultural development, seed systems, and climate adaptation strategies.

Technological Innovations and Achievements

Over the years, ICRISAT has achieved notable breakthroughs in crop improvement and sustainable farming practices. Among its major scientific contributions are:

• Development of early-maturing and drought-tolerant varieties of sorghum, pearl millet, and groundnut.
• Introduction of hybrid pigeonpea, the first of its kind in the world, significantly increasing yield potential.
• Promotion of Integrated Genetic and Natural Resource Management (IGNRM), which combines modern breeding with soil and water management.
• Use of genomics-assisted breeding to accelerate varietal development and enhance nutritional profiles.

Its genebank, one of the largest in the world for semi-arid crops, conserves over 128,000 germplasm accessions from 144 countries, ensuring biodiversity preservation for future generations.

Impact and Global Significance

ICRISAT’s impact has been profound across Africa and Asia, where it has empowered millions of smallholder farmers through improved crop varieties, better farming techniques, and market access. Studies indicate that ICRISAT’s interventions have increased agricultural productivity, improved household incomes, and reduced vulnerability to climatic shocks.
The institute’s efforts in climate-resilient agriculture contribute directly to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Furthermore, ICRISAT’s work on nutrition-sensitive agriculture has led to the mainstreaming of biofortified crops like iron-rich pearl millet and zinc-enriched groundnut into public food systems, benefiting malnourished populations.

Governance and Funding

ICRISAT is governed by an international Governing Board composed of experts in agricultural science, economics, and policy. The institute operates with financial support from CGIAR, national governments, philanthropic foundations, and bilateral donors such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID.
Its operations follow principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness, ensuring that research outputs translate into measurable societal benefits.