ICRISAT Governing Board Announces Appointment of Dr Himanshu Pathak as Director General Designate of ICRISAT

International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Governing Board formally announced the appointment of Dr Himanshu Pathak as the Director General-designate of the globally acclaimed institute. The announcement was made by Governing Board Chair Professor Prabhu Pingali during an all-staff event on October 18, 2024 at ICRISAT headquarters in Hyderabad, India.

Dr Pathak has a renowned career in advancing global agricultural research and development and will bring a wealth of experience to ICRISAT. He currently serves as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

On behalf of the Governing Board, I am delighted to welcome Dr Pathak as Director General designate said Professor Pingali.

“His strategic vision and proven leadership will be instrumental as ICRISAT confronts the challenges of expanding drylands and drives forward its mission to build resilient, sustainable agri-food systems for the most vulnerable across Asia, Africa, and beyond. Under Dr Pathak’s guidance, we are confident that ICRISAT will continue to build powerful new alliances and set new benchmarks in agricultural innovation and global food security and the Governing Board and I look forward to working closely with him."

"We also extend our deepest gratitude to outgoing Director General Dr Jacqueline Hughes for her unwavering leadership during a period of profound transition and unprecedented challenges. Despite the global disruptions brought on by COVID-19, Dr Hughes guided ICRISAT with resilience and vision, driving forward numerous agricultural innovations that have strengthened the Institute’s impact and reach," said Prof. Pingali.

Dr. Pathak's appointment will mark a new chapter for ICRISAT as it embarks its 52nd year, reinforcing the Institute's commitment to pioneering agricultural breakthroughs and cementing its status as a global leader in dryland research. Dr. Pathak will officially assume his role next year, heralding in a new era of strategic leadership and growth for the Institute.