The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) took center stage during the Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference held from August 7 to 9 in New Delhi. The conference theme, “Evergreen Revolution: The Pathway to Biohappiness,” brought together scientists, policymakers, and farmers from across the globe to celebrate the legacy of Prof. Swaminathan, a leading figure in agricultural science.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, ICRISAT’s Director General, emphasized the importance of transforming agriculture to better support productivity, climate resilience, and nutrition security while protecting the environment. “Real progress in agriculture comes when we care for both our planet and the farmers,” he stated.
ICRISAT is focusing on delivering practical solutions for smallholder farmers in climate-vulnerable regions. During the conference, Dr. Shalander Kumar, ICRISAT’s Deputy Global Research Program Director, highlighted the need to shift from traditional yield-focused farming to systems that support biodiversity and improve dietary variety. He stressed the importance of climate-smart crops like millets, pulses, and oilseeds that nourish people and sustain the environment.
Another highlight of the event was the recognition of Dr. Mamta Sharma, an ICRISAT scientist, who received the inaugural M.S. Swaminathan Grow Further Award. This award, presented by former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu, honors Dr. Sharma’s outstanding research that supports vulnerable farmers.
The conference concluded with the Delhi Declaration on Biohappiness, a global call for resilient and fair food systems. Dr. Pathak reaffirmed ICRISAT’s commitment to working with governments and research institutions to turn these ideas into real-world solutions.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Pathak held discussions with international partners, including officials from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fertilizer Innovation Center (IFDC), to explore ways to strengthen agri-food systems.
ICRISAT is dedicated to improving dryland farming and addressing issues like hunger, malnutrition, and environmental degradation affecting over 2 billion people in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Through its innovative approach, ICRISAT aims to build a sustainable future that benefits farmers and the planet alike.
-Rashmi Kumari
