ICRISAT Celebrates its Foundation Day, Marking 55 Years of Science-Driven Impact

Figure: ICRISAT headquarters in India and its regional offices across Africa came together to celebrate the Institute’s 55^th Foundation Day, reflecting on its journey and future direction. The celebrations featured leadership messages and an address by Chief Guest Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, outlining a path toward an impact-driven future.

With its mission to end poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics, ICRISAT marked 55 years of science-driven impact across Asia and Africa at its headquarters in Patancheru on 27 March 2026. With colleagues from Africa joining virtually, the event brought together distinguished dignitaries, scientists, partners, and staff to reflect on its legacy and reaffirm its commitment to advancing climate-resilient, farmer-centered solutions.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, underscored the Institute’s impact and called for renewed focus on science-led innovation.

The event was chaired by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between national governments, National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), and organizations such as ICRISAT and CGIAR to advance science and technology.

Highlighting government-led initiatives that connect technological innovations to the last mile, including programs such as the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG), Prof. Sood underscored the importance of linking science with grassroots needs and lauded ICRISAT’s role in bridging global research with national priorities.

The ceremony also marked the:

1. Unveiling of the ICRISAT Impact & Innovation Report 2025, showcasing the Institute’s contributions to dryland agriculture

2. Unveiling of the book, Soil Carbon Fractionation, advancing scientific understanding of soil health and sustainable agriculture, published by Springer

3. Announcement of the winner of the Global ISSCA logo design competition

4. Unveiling of the top ICRISAT-bred varieties of 2025

Joining the event virtually, Dr Alice Ruhweza, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), ICRISAT’s long-standing partner in agricultural research initiatives in Africa, highlighted the role of the ICRISAT–AGRA partnership in advancing the region's agricultural transformation.

Prof. Cathy Reade, Chair of the ICRISAT Governing Board, emphasized the importance of strong governance and strategic leadership.

See https://pressroom.icrisat.org/icrisat-celebrates-its-foundation-day-marking-55-years-of-science-driven-impact