Dr. Himanshu Pathak has officially taken charge as the new Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), based in Hyderabad, India. ICRISAT, recognized as the only international agricultural research center in India, stands at the forefront of research dedicated to enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions.
Dr. Pathak brings extensive experience to this role, having previously served as the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He has made significant contributions to agricultural research and policy, especially in the areas of soil science and agricultural chemistry.
An alumnus of Banaras Hindu University (BSc Agriculture, 1986), Dr. Pathak completed his MSc and PhD in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in 1988 and 1992, respectively. His career includes notable positions such as Director of the ICAR-National Rice Research Institute in Cuttack and the ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management in Baramati, India. He has also enriched his expertise through his work as a visiting scientist at institutions like the University of Essex, UK, and the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, Germany.
ICRISAT has long been a leader in agricultural research for dryland regions, focusing on crops vital to smallholder farmers in the semi-arid tropics. With operations spanning East, Southern, and West Africa, ICRISAT is committed to advancing crop productivity, resilience, and sustainability in challenging agricultural environments. Over the past five decades, the institute has made landmark contributions, including the development of the world’s first pigeonpea hybrid and Africa’s first biofortified pearl millet.
Under Dr. Pathak’s leadership, ICRISAT is poised to continue its legacy of providing cost-effective and scalable solutions to the agricultural challenges faced by farmers in the most vulnerable regions. His strategic direction and proven leadership are expected to drive forward the institute's mission of building resilient agri-food systems, strengthening global food security, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices across Asia, Africa, and beyond.
