ICAR-ICRISAT collaborative work plan for the years 2016-18

Dr Mohapatra, emphasized that the collaboration benefits Indian farmers and they are committed to achieve real impact through the partnership with continuous monitoring by both sides.

“Dryland cereals and grain legumes are branded as Smart Foods – good for consumers, farmers and the planet as they diversify farming systems and help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change. We enjoy a strong partnership with ICAR so we can deliver real results to improve the lives of farmers and their families in the harsh drylands,” said Dr David Bergvinson.

Climate smart crops, smart food and digitalization of breeding database are some of the core areas of research in the agreement.

Other areas of focus over the next three years include: Integrating systems modelling tools enabling informed decisions for upscaling climate resilient agriculture, developing genetic and genomic resources of finger millet and enhancing genetic gains for priority traits.

In addition to setting the terms of the collaboration from 2016-2018 and the transfer of agricultural technologies between the two institutes, the partnership includes funding to research grain legumes and dryland cereals and support for the Smart Food initiative to deliver sustainable and nutritionally rich products to consumers. On the crop improvement front, the agreement will also facilitate research activities on transgenic pigeonpea and chickpea for insect resistance.

Shri Chhabilendra Roul, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR), Dr. Jeet Singh Sandhu, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) and Dr A K Padhee, Director, Country Relations, ICRISAT also graced the occasion.

(Source: Department of Agricultural Research and Education)