ICRISAT Champions Climate-Resilient, Nutrition-Secure Agriculture at M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference

August 13, 2025

Hyderabad/New Delhi — The Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, held in New Delhi from 7–9 August 2025 under the theme “Evergreen Revolution: The Pathway to Biohappiness,” brought together scientists, policymakers, development partners, and farmer representatives from around the world to honor Prof. Swaminathan's life and legacy and chart pathways for sustainable farming.

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) contributed to the global dialogue by sharing its research insights, field experience, and policy perspectives on building climate-resilient, nutrition-secure food systems. Drawing on decades of work with smallholder farmers in some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, ICRISAT leaders highlighted practical solutions that combine science, innovation, and community engagement to create lasting agricultural transformation.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, ICRISAT Director General, played a prominent role in several high-level sessions, emphasizing the need for agricultural transformation that delivers on productivity, climate resilience, and nutrition security while safeguarding ecological integrity and social equity.

“Prof. Swaminathan championed the principle that true agricultural progress can only be achieved when it safeguards both our planet’s ecological balance and the dignity of every farmer,” said Dr Pathak. “At ICRISAT, we are committed to supporting this balance, developing solutions that help farmers prosper, restore our environment, and guarantee safe, nutritious food for all.”

Dr Himanshu Pathak delivers special remarks at Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference.

Joining ICRISAT’s contributions, Dr Shalander Kumar, Deputy Global Research Program Director, participated in a plenary session on transforming agri-food systems for better nutrition. He called for a shift from yield-focused agriculture to holistic systems that promote biodiversity, restore soil health, and improve dietary diversity through climate-smart crops such as millets, pulses, and oilseeds.

“It’s imperative that we transition from measuring agricultural success purely by yields to measuring it by how well it nourishes people and sustains the environment,” said Dr Kumar. “The Evergreen Revolution provides the framework for achieving this balance, delivering climate resilience, improved nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods, particularly for smallholder farmers. Science-led, inclusive solutions will be key to ensuring that this transformation benefits both India and the wider Global South.”

(Left) *Dr Shalander Kumar, Deputy Global Research Program Director, ICRISAT*; (Center) *Dr George Smith, Director of AgBio Research and Senior Associate Dean of Research, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University*; and (Right) Mr Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, Bharat Krishak Samaj.

Celebrating Excellence: Dr Mamta Sharma Receives Inaugural Award

Another highlight of the event was the recognition of ICRISAT scientist Dr Mamta Sharma as the inaugural recipient of the M.S. Swaminathan–Grow Further Award, jointly instituted by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and Grow Further, a Seattle-based global philanthropy. Presented by Hon’ble Mr M. Venkaiah Naidu, Former Vice President of India, the award honors Dr Sharma’s exceptional agricultural research that directly benefits smallholder farmers, especially those most vulnerable to climate change.

Dr Mamta Sharma is presented with the inaugural M.S. Swaminathan–Grow Further Award by Hon’ble Mr M. Venkaiah Naidu.

The conference culminated in the Delhi Declaration on Biohappiness, a global call to action for resilient, equitable, and nature-positive food systems that reaffirms Prof. Swaminathan’s principles of ecology, economics, and equity.

Director General Dr Himanshu Pathak joined leaders and experts from around the world in pledging to build a sustainable and inclusive future for all. He reiterated ICRISAT’s commitment to working alongside governments, research institutions, and farming communities to translate this global vision into tangible outcomes.

On the sidelines of the event, Dr Pathak advanced this commitment through a series of high-level discussions with key international partners. He met with Mr Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Country Representative for India, to identify collaborative opportunities for strengthening resilience in agri-food systems. Discussions with Dr Yashpal Saharawat, Director – Resilience and Environment at the International Fertilizer Innovation Center in India (IFDC); Dr Rajeev Varshney, Professor at the Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, and Dr Eric Danquah, University of Ghana, focused on driving forward agricultural research, innovation, and climate-smart solutions.