ICRISAT and Australian Consulate-General Empower Next Generation of Crop Breeders for Climate Resilience

In a strategic effort to support global food security, ICRISAT and the Australian Consulate-General joined forces to deliver a specialized training program, equipping researchers with the latest tools and techniques in crop breeding.

Hyderabad, India – The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in collaboration with the Australian Consulate-General Bengaluru, successfully concluded a two-week intensive Master Class on New Crop Breeding Technologies for Climate Resilience.

The program held at the ICRISAT headquarters from 21 April – 02 May 2025, brought together 29 participants, including early-career researchers, scientists, academicians, and industry leaders to explore innovative crop breeding strategies to tackle the global challenge of climate change.

Building on the success of previous acclaimed programs held in 2022 and 2023, this was the third edition of the master class organized by ICRISAT’s Dryland Academy, under the leadership of Dr Padmaja Ravula, Principal Scientist and Cluster Leader for Knowledge and Capacity Development. The course struck a balance between technical depth and practical application, and was expertly coordinated by Dr Janila Pasupuleti, Cluster Leader for Crop Breeding, and Dr Sean Mayes, Global Research Program Director for Accelerated Crop Improvement at ICRISAT.

Dr Himanshu Pathak delivering the keynote lecture
Dr Himanshu Pathak delivering the keynote lecture

The master class commenced with a thought-provoking keynote address by Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, who addressed the critical intersection of climate change and agriculture. Highlighting efficient action points for a climate-friendly future, Dr Pathak said,

"To combat climate change, we must act decisively, developing climate-resilient crops, embracing precision agriculture, and bridging traditional wisdom with cutting-edge innovation. But science alone is not enough. We must empower farmers with knowledge, invest in next-gen researchers, and ensure women and youth lead this transformation."

A key feature of the program was the emphasis on fostering an inclusive learning environment. The significant representation of women among the participants enriched the sessions, fostering open dialogue and meaningful knowledge exchange. Participants shared that the supportive atmosphere encouraged active engagement and gave them the confidence to contribute their perspectives freely.

The program also fostered strong collaborations with Australian institutions. Esteemed researchers and academicians from the University of Queensland and the University of Western Australia shared their expertise, enriching the learning experience. The program further benefited from the active participation of project collaborators and partners, as well as participants from ICRISAT’s hosted institutes, creating a vibrant and diverse learning community.

Throughout the course, attendees were introduced to the latest trends and advancements in crop breeding. Experts explored how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming plant breeding, making it faster, more efficient, and scalable.

Elaborating on the significance these new advancements, Guest Lecturer, Dr Lee Hickey, Centre Director, ARC Training Centre for Predictive Breeding, University of Queensland, Australia, said,

“AI in breeding allows researchers to predict crop traits more accurately, enabling the creation of new cultivars with improved resilience.”
Participants listen intently to Dr Himanshu Pathak's keynote lecture
Participants listen intently to Dr Himanshu Pathak's keynote lecture

The concept of crop product design (variety) and the importance of breeding schemas were central to the course. Participants also learned how genetic gain—a crucial performance indicator of breeding—is essential for developing climate-resilient crops.

Dr Pasupuleti explained that the program was designed to teach best practices in crop product design, including developing elite parents and cultivars for both public and private sector institutions. She also introduced key performance indicators (KPIs) for breeding programs, emphasizing the need to move beyond measuring success by the number of varieties released. ​

The training covered innovative approaches like predictive breeding, machine learning (ML), and AI, while outlining the elements of a modern breeding program to help trainees grasp its context and opportunities.

As climate challenges intensify, such initiatives are pivotal in equipping scientists to develop resilient, high-yielding crops. This course underscores ICRISAT’s commitment to strengthened partnerships, capacity building, and empowering the next generation of agricultural scientists.

This work aligns with SDGs 5, 13 & 17.

Roseleen Aind

Roseleen Aind

Senior Communications Specialist - Asia

Related Articles

Website preview
Unleashing the Power of Innovation at ICRISAT: Advancing Crop Breeding with Breakthrough Technologies
A quantum leap in crop breeding speed, precision, and savings on labor costs is possible with the latest phenotyping technologies available at ICRISAT. Breeders can now aim for agile research pipelines that respond to a rapidly changing climate.
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

Share

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a pioneering International Organization committed to developing and improving dryland farming and agri-food systems to address the challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation affecting the 2.1 billion people residing in the drylands of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.

ICRISAT was established under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and the CGIAR on the 28 March 1972. In accordance with the Headquarters Agreement, the Government of India has extended the status of a specified “International Organisation” to ICRISAT under section 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 of the Republic of India through Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. UI/222(66)/71, dated 28 October 1972, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Our offices:

Asia: India (Headquarters - Hyderabad)

East and Southern Africa:  Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe

West and Central Africa: Mali, Niger, Nigeria

For all media inquiries, please email: info.comms@icrisat.org

Contact

Hyderabad, Telangana, India

+917207953350

info.comms@icrisat.org

www.icrisat.org