Charting an Inclusive and Collaborative CGIAR Strategy Aligning with India’s Policies
Institutional News: CGIAR India Strategy Workshop
A pivotal two-day workshop was held at ICRISAT headquarters on 15 and 16 April 2024 in Hyderabad. The workshop aimed to synchronize CGIAR’s diverse research activities in India and identify areas of comparative advantage, aligning with the nation’s policies and priorities in agriculture.
In her opening remarks, Dr Jacqueline d'Arros Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, highlighted India’s technological advancements and the opportunities they presented. She also underscored the potential for CGIAR interventions to uplift the millions living below the poverty line.
Dr Hughes stressed the importance of collaborating with national partners and customizing technology transfer to meet India's diverse needs, given its vast and varied landscape. She also emphasized engagement with the private sector, NGOs, and civil society, empowering women’s groups and listening to indigenous communities to co-create solutions.
Ms Temina Lalani-Shariff, One CGIAR Regional Director, South Asia, presented insights from the India Listening Sessions, stressing the need to avoid duplication with India's National Agricultural Research System (NARS) and shift towards 'capacity sharing' instead of 'capacity development.'
Presentations from the CGIAR centers Alliance Bioversity-CIAT, CIP, CIMMYT, ICARDA, ICRISAT, IFPRI, ILRI, IRRI, IWMI, and World Fish showcased ongoing projects and future initiatives.
Dr Teunis van Rheenen, Senior Director, Science Group – Innovative Finance and Resource Mobilization, shared experiences from CGIAR’s work in China.
Day 2 featured a Science Walk and reflections on the CGIAR India Strategy by Dr Sreenath Dixit, CGIAR-Country Convenor-India. Small group sessions discussed translating expertise into action, with a focus on process and timeliness led by Dr van Rheenen and Ms Lalani-Shariff.
The workshop concluded with a commitment to collaborative action, aiming to drive sustainable agricultural development in India through CGIAR’s strategic interventions.
