ICRISAT is an acronym for the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. It is a non-profit, non-political research and development organization that focuses on agricultural research and innovation in the semi-arid tropics regions across the world.
ICRISAT was established in 1972 in response to the growing need for research and development efforts to address the challenges of food and nutritional security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable agricultural development in these regions. The organization works towards improving crop productivity, promoting sustainable farming systems, and increasing the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change and other environmental stressors.
Its research activities cover a wide range of crops including cereals (such as millets, sorghum, and maize), pulses, oilseeds (like groundnuts, sesame, and castor), and other horticultural crops. By conducting research in areas such as crop improvement, natural resource management, socio-economic studies, and policy and institutional analysis, ICRISAT aims to enhance agricultural productivity and profitability, while also conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable land management practices.
ICRISAT collaborates with various national and international partners, including governments, research institutions, and development agencies, to ensure the widespread dissemination and adoption of its research findings and technologies. Through its work, the organization contributes towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to eradicating hunger, ensuring food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and combating climate change in the semi-arid tropics regions of the world.
