The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
Improve the livelihoods of small farmers in dryland regions through innovative agricultural research and sustainable solutions
About
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Headquarters
Hyderabad, Telangana
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Since
1972
ICRISAT is a leading research institute focused on dryland agriculture. It works to improve the lives of small farmers and ensure food security in sem Read morei-arid regions. Its mission is to boost crop productivity, resilience, and sustainability, which are vital for dryland communities' growth. For over 50 years, it has developed affordable, scalable solutions using advanced research, technology, and partnerships. Major achievements include creating the world's first pigeon pea hybrid, quick-growing groundnut varieties, and Africa’s first biofortified pearl millet. It tackles issues like climate change, soil health, water management, and market access by working with crops such as cereals, pulses, and oilseeds. ICRISAT's goal is to create a thriving, food-secure, and resilient dryland tropics, helping 2.1 billion people affected by poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and environmental challenges.
Action
ICRISAT conducts agricultural research for development in the drylands of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on improving crops like chickpea, pigeonpea, groundnut, pearl millet, and sorghum.
Demographies Served
Cause Area
Sector
Sub Sector
Impact
ICRISAT has helped over 25 million smallholder farmers become more resilient to climate change, as well as pest and disease outbreaks, through the development of 266 improved legume varieties and distribution of almost half a million tons of seed.
Vision & Mission
ICRISAT's vision is a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics. Its mission is to reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics.
Programs
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Genebank Programme
Established in 1972, the ICRISAT Genebank in India preserves over 129,000 germplasm accessions from 11 essential crops, including Sorghum and Chickpea. The collection, gathered from 144 countries, supports global food security and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Genebank maintains a diverse array of landraces, breeding lines, and wild relatives, aids breeding programs, and facilitates global collaboration through extensive seed distribution and knowledge sharing.
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Dryland Academy
ICRISAT's Dryland Academy addresses challenges in semi-arid regions by leveraging fifty years of research excellence. The Academy integrates rigorous scientific inquiry with actionable solutions through its advanced courses. Collaborating with experts, it fosters interdisciplinary exploration in dryland agri-food systems. Emphasizing cutting-edge science and innovation, the Academy applies breakthroughs in crop breeding, precision agriculture, and climate-smart practices to deliver practical, impactful solutions for dryland communities.
Milestones & Track Record
ICRISAT has improved food security for millions since 1972 by developing climate-resilient crops for semi-arid regions across Asia and Africa.
Leadership Team
Demographics & Structure
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No. of Employees
100+
M&E
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Internal, External Assessors
No
Policies
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Ethics and Transparency Policies
No
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Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy
No
Political & Religious Declarations
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On Affiliation if any
No
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On Deployment Bias if any
No
Registration Details
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FCRA
Not Available
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CSR Registration Number
Not Available
Location
Other Details
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Type & Sub Type
Non-profit