The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has announced the appointment of Dr Himanshu Pathak as its new Director General designate. The announcement was made by Professor Prabhu Pingali, Chair of ICRISAT’s Governing Board, during an all-staff event held at the institute’s headquarters in Hyderabad on October 18.
"Dr Pathak has a distinguished career in advancing global agricultural research and development and will bring a wealth of experience to ICRISAT," said an ICRISAT press release.
Dr Pathak currently serves as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), GoI and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Before this, he served as Director of the ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management in Baramati, India. Previously, He was the Director of the ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (ICAR-NRRI) in Cuttack. Dr Pathak is a scientist of global repute, known for his work in abiotic stress, climate change, and soil science. With a distinguished career in advancing agricultural development, he is expected to bring valuable expertise to ICRISAT as it continues its efforts to address the challenges of dryland agriculture.
Professor Pingali expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, noting, "Dr Pathak’s strategic vision and leadership will be instrumental in guiding ICRISAT as we address the growing challenges of expanding drylands and work towards resilient and sustainable agri-food systems across Asia, Africa, and beyond."
The Governing Board also expressed gratitude to outgoing Director General Dr Jacqueline Hughes for her leadership during a time of global upheaval, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Hughes led the institute through a challenging period and drove significant agricultural innovations that expanded ICRISAT’s impact.
Dr Pathak’s official tenure as Director General will begin next year, as ICRISAT enters its 52nd year. The institute remains committed to pioneering agricultural research and strengthening global food security, with Dr Pathak leading new initiatives and collaborations.