Transforming agriculture in the world's most vulnerable regions through innovative research and sustainable practices
In the vast drylands of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, over 2 billion people face the escalating crises of climate change, land degradation, and rural poverty. These regions, home to some of the world's most vulnerable agricultural communities, stand at the frontline of global shocks that threaten our collective food security 5 . Recognizing this urgent challenge, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030 – a visionary roadmap for transforming dryland agriculture through innovative research and technology 1 .
"Drylands stand at the frontline of a multiplicity of global shocks that include climate change, food insecurity, and economic instability. With our new strategy, ICRISAT is reaffirming its role as a trusted partner in advancing science, shaping policies, and ensuring inclusive growth"
Marking a critical turning point in addressing these challenges, ICRISAT's new strategy was unveiled in September 2025 at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal 4 . With only five years remaining to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, this plan represents more than just an institutional guideline – it's a global commitment to pioneering solutions that will decisively and positively shape the future of agriculture in the world's most vulnerable regions .
People in dryland regions facing climate and food security challenges
Strategic implementation period for transformative impact
Transformative pillars guiding the strategic approach
ICRISAT's strategic approach is anchored in three transformative pillars that work in concert to create sustainable, resilient agricultural systems in dryland regions 5 .
The first pillar focuses on developing climate-smart crop varieties specifically designed to thrive in arid and semi-arid conditions 5 . This isn't merely about improving yields – it's about reimagining what crops can achieve in challenging environments.
Through advanced breeding techniques, including genomic selection and precision breeding technologies, scientists are working to create crop varieties with enhanced tolerance to drought, heat, pests, and diseases.
The approach also emphasizes nutrition-sensitive agriculture, ensuring that improved crops don't just fill stomachs but provide essential vitamins and minerals addressing hidden hunger in vulnerable communities.
The second pillar moves beyond individual crops to address the broader agricultural ecosystem 5 . Resilient agroecosystems form the foundation upon which sustainable dryland agriculture is built, focusing on regenerating the natural resource base that supports farming communities.
This involves promoting regenerative farming practices that enhance soil health, conserve water, and increase biodiversity. Techniques such as conservation agriculture, integrated soil fertility management, and sustainable water harvesting are being optimized for dryland conditions.
The third pillar addresses the broader context in which agriculture operates, working to transform entire agri-food systems through multiple leverage points 5 . This includes promoting Smart Food initiatives that create consumer demand for nutritious, climate-resilient crops.
Systemic change requires looking beyond the farm to consider every step from seed to table – including processing, distribution, marketing, and consumption. It also involves shaping policies that enable sustainable agricultural development and empower the most vulnerable participants in the food system.
| Strategic Pillar | Primary Focus | Key Components | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crops of the Future | Genetic Improvement | Climate-smart varieties, Nutrition-enhanced crops, Stress tolerance traits | Higher yields, Better nutrition, Climate adaptation |
| Resilient Agroecosystems | Farming Environment | Regenerative practices, Soil health, Water management | Environmental sustainability, Enhanced resilience, Resource conservation |
| Systemic Change | Broader Food System | Smart Food initiatives, Inclusive markets, Supportive policies | Improved livelihoods, Empowered communities, Transformed food systems |
While ICRISAT's strategic plan outlines ambitious goals for 2025-2030, the implementation of this vision is already underway through various capacity-building initiatives. One particularly illustrative example is the "Transforming Dryland Agriculture and Agri-food Systems" short course launched in September 2025 2 . This educational program embodies the comprehensive approach central to ICRISAT's new strategy, translating theoretical concepts into practical knowledge for the next generation of agricultural champions.
The short course employs a structured 12-week curriculum that combines multiple learning modalities to build participant competencies in dryland agriculture transformation 2 . The program spans from September to December 2025 and includes:
The curriculum is strategically sequenced to build comprehensive understanding, beginning with fundamental concepts and progressing to integrated applications:
The course opens with an overview of dryland agriculture challenges and opportunities, followed by an inspirational inauguration and campus tour to familiarize participants with research facilities 2 .
Participants engage with specialized topics including crop breeding principles, plant health management, landscape conservation approaches, digital agriculture applications, and value chain development 2 .
The focus expands to include socioeconomic dimensions in agricultural research, team building and collaborative problem-solving, and intellectual property rights 2 .
Learning culminates in village immersion experience for real-world data collection, knowledge assessment through online quiz, and certificate award ceremony 2 .
| Week | Date | Focus Topic | Learning Modality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 September 2025 | Course Overview & Inspiration | Inauguration, remarks, campus tour |
| 2 | 25 September 2025 | Crop Breeding Fundamentals | Lecture by gene bank and breeding experts |
| 3 | 9 October 2025 | Genetic Resources in Practice | Field visit to gene bank and research fields |
| 4 | 16 October 2025 | Plant Health Management | Lecture and insect museum visit |
| 5 | 23 October 2025 | Landscape Conservation | Lecture on water, soil, and nutrient management |
| 6 | 30 October 2025 | Digital Agriculture | AI/ML concepts lecture |
| 7 | 6 November 2025 | Value Chains & Processing | Visit to value addition facilities |
Transforming dryland agriculture requires specialized research tools and approaches. The following "toolkit" represents essential resources and methodologies being deployed under ICRISAT's strategic plan:
Conservation and utilization of genetic diversity for crop improvement 2
Application of AI/ML concepts to agricultural research and development 2
Bridging research findings with policy development processes
| Partnership Initiative | Partner Organization(s) | Strategic Focus | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISSCA Center of Excellence | RIS, DAKSHIN | South-South knowledge exchange | Accelerated scaling of innovations across Global South 6 |
| Memorandum of Understanding | Government of Senegal | Co-development of crop varieties | Strengthened food security in Senegal 4 |
| Joint Research Vision | IRRI | Integrated seed systems for dryland farming | Improved delivery of improved germplasms in South Asia 7 |
| NSFC Collaboration | National Natural Science Foundation of China | Funded research in sustainable agriculture | Advancement in scientific knowledge and solutions 3 |
ICRISAT's Strategic Plan 2025-2030 represents more than an institutional roadmap – it's a bold commitment to transforming the lives of over two billion people who depend on dryland agriculture 5 . By leveraging innovative research, strategic partnerships, and inclusive growth, this initiative turns today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities for a more food-secure, equitable, and sustainable world.
The plan's launch in Senegal and the establishment of new Centers of Excellence signal a renewed global focus on some of the most vulnerable agricultural systems and communities 4 6 . As these efforts gain momentum over the coming years, they offer hope that the drylands – once considered agricultural challenges – can become foundations for sustainable food security and economic growth 5 .
What makes this strategy particularly powerful is its integrated approach, recognizing that technical solutions alone are insufficient without corresponding advances in policy, market systems, and human capacity. As ICRISAT implements this vision through collaborative research, educational programs, and partnership initiatives, it creates a replicable model for agricultural transformation that can be adapted across the drylands of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.
In the face of climate change and growing food demand, the work of transforming dryland agriculture has never been more urgent – or more promising. With its new strategic plan, ICRISAT is leading the charge toward a future where dryland communities don't just survive, but thrive.