Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, a distinguished agronomist with over 25 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, has officially taken charge today, April 21, 2025, as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The appointment was confirmed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which recently approved his three-year term for this dual role.
Prior to this esteemed position, Dr. Jat served as the Deputy Director General for Research and the Director of the Global Research Program at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Hyderabad. An alumnus of ICAR-IARI in New Delhi, he holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy, focusing on soil moisture conservation in rain-fed pearl millet, which is a crucial crop for arid regions.
Known globally for his work in climate-resilient and conservation agriculture, Dr. Jat has significantly influenced farming strategies for smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa. His appointment is seen as a major step toward steering Indian agricultural research towards innovation, sustainability, and farmer-centric solutions.
Dr. Jat’s impressive portfolio includes more than 350 peer-reviewed publications, and he has held leadership positions in renowned institutions such as CIMMYT, IRRI, and ICRISAT. During his 12-year tenure at ICAR, he worked extensively as a Systems Agronomist. He has also collaborated with organizations like the FAO and ISPA, advocating for climate-smart technologies, regenerative farming, and digital agriculture.
Recognized as a Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Jat has received numerous awards, including the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award, one of ICAR’s highest honors for excellence in agricultural research.
As he steps into his new role, Dr. Jat is expected to lead ICAR in tackling key challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and the transformation of food systems. His vision aligns with India’s goals of sustainable development, precision agriculture, and ensuring food and nutritional security for millions.
