The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has launched the “Plant Health Detector” app, along with the new publications and products at its 54th Foundation Day. The event underscored its ongoing commitment to enhancing dryland agriculture and ensuring food and nutrition security across arid regions. The event brought together researchers, policymakers, and key stakeholders to celebrate decades of scientific contributions and collaborative efforts. Launch of Publications and Products
The Plant Health Detector app leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify crop health issues and can detect diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies in crops like sorghum, pearl millet, groundnut rice and maize. Designed to provide real-time analysis and actionable recommendations, the tool aims to enhance farmers’ ability to manage crop health effectively, reducing losses and improving productivity
Centre for Pre-Breeding Inaugurated to Advance Crop Research
To further support agricultural research, ICRISAT inaugurated the Centre for Pre-Breeding, a facility dedicated to utilizing genetic diversity to develop improved crop varieties. The center will focus on identifying resilient traits in wild and underutilized crop relatives, which can then be integrated into breeding programs to create varieties that are more resistant to drought, pests, and diseases. With climate change posing a growing threat to global food security, the center aims to provide long-term solutions by developing crops that can thrive in challenging environments. This initiative aligns with ICRISAT’s ongoing commitment to strengthening food production systems through scientific research.
Solar-Powered Water Hyacinth Harvester Recognized
Another key technological highlight was the recognition of ICRISAT’s Development Center for its work on the solar-powered water hyacinth harvester. This machine is designed to address the widespread problem of water hyacinths, an invasive aquatic weed that disrupts water bodies and irrigation systems. The harvester effectively removes these weeds using solar energy, making it an environmentally sustainable solution for water management. By clearing water bodies, the harvester helps improve water quality, restore ecological balance, and ensure better water availability for agriculture. During the event, certificates were distributed to the team members who contributed to this innovation, acknowledging their efforts in developing a technology that enhances water resource sustainability.
Launch of SeedPulse to Strengthen Seed Systems
ICRISAT also launched the inaugural issue of SeedPulse, a policy brief focused on seed systems. SeedPulse addresses key challenges related to seed availability, distribution, and regulatory frameworks. The publication is intended to serve as a resource for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders in developing efficient and inclusive seed markets. By improving seed systems, farmers will have greater access to high-quality, high-yielding seeds, ultimately boosting agricultural productivity.
ICRISAT’s Foundation Day Address
Beyond the technological advancements, the Foundation Day featured discussions on the future of dryland agriculture, collaborative partnerships, and community engagement. In his address, ICRISAT Director General, Dr Himanshu Pathak, reflected on the organization’s contributions over the past five decades and emphasized the urgent need to support dryland regions.
“On this Foundation Day, we remember our past and look forward to redeeming our commitment to the future. With the changing climate, the drylands are getting thirstier for water and hungrier for soil nutrition. The drylands need us,” said Dr Pathak.
“Besides developing more than 1200 new varieties of dryland crops, ICRISAT has brought water to places that had gone dry and brought dreams to farmers, who see us as a guarantee for growing crops in deserted drylands. With science and technology, we can transform the drylands.”
The event also included addresses from key partners such as Dr DK Yadav from ICAR, Prof O Jiri from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Agriculture, and Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee from the Government of Odisha. Farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs shared their experiences on how ICRISAT’s research has impacted their work. Incubates from the Agribusiness Innovation Platform also shared their entrepreneurial journeys, highlighting how ICRISAT’s support helped them expand their businesses.
MoU Signing
Additionally, ICRISAT formalized a new partnership with Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Ltd. (BBSSL) through an MoU exchange. BBSSL Chairman, M Yogendra, emphasized the importance of this collaboration.
“Seeds are the foundation of agricultural transformation. By collaborating with research institutions like ICRISAT, we ensure that high-yielding, high-quality seeds reach smallholder farmers, empowering them with the tools to enhance productivity and resilience. Prosperity through cooperation is our motto.”
The Foundation Day celebrations also featured a campus tour for 600 schoolchildren to promote agricultural education, a meet-and-greet session with farm workers and work contractors, and a media briefing with national television and radio representatives.
Looking Ahead
With the introduction of new technologies and continued research in dryland agriculture, ICRISAT remains committed to supporting farmers through scientific advancements and strategic collaborations. The 54th Foundation Day reinforced its focus on equipping agricultural communities with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance productivity and resilience.