Hyderabad: The Governing Board of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has appointed Dr Himanshu Pathak as the Director General-designate of the globally acclaimed institute. The announcement was made by Governing Board Chair Professor Prabhu Pingali during an all-staff event on Friday, October 18, at ICRISAT headquarters in Hyderabad, India.
Dr. Pathak, who currently serves as Secretary at the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), brings a wealth of experience in advancing global agricultural research and development. His leadership will be pivotal as ICRISAT tackles the challenges of expanding drylands and works towards building resilient, sustainable agri-food systems across Asia, Africa, and beyond.
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Welcoming Dr. Pathak, Professor Pingali expressed confidence in his strategic vision and leadership. “Under his guidance, ICRISAT will continue to forge powerful alliances and set new standards in agricultural innovation and global food security,” he said. He also thanked outgoing Director General Dr. Jacqueline Hughes for her dedicated leadership during a time of profound global challenges. Despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19, Dr. Hughes led ICRISAT with resilience, driving forward key agricultural innovations that strengthened the Institute’s impact.
As ICRISAT enters its 52nd year, Dr. Pathak’s leadership marks the beginning of a new chapter. He will officially assume his role next year, steering the institute into a future of strategic growth and continued excellence in dryland research.
ICRISAT is a leading international research organisation dedicated to improving dryland farming and agrifood systems. Collaborating with global partners, ICRISAT develops innovative, science-based solutions to tackle hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation, benefiting the 2.1 billion people living in the drylands of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.