ICRISAT Director General Inspires New Generation of Agricultural Scientists at ICAR-NAARM Foundation Course Inauguration

July 8, 2025

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, addresses participants at the inauguration.

Hyderabad, India — Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), addressed over 100 newly inducted Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists as Chief Guest at the inauguration of the 114th Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service (FOCARS), hosted by the ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) on 7 July 2025.

Congratulating the young scientists, representing 41 disciplines from 21 Indian states, Dr Pathak encouraged them to embrace the journey ahead with determination and creativity.

“You have earned your place through dedication and perseverance. Now, it is your responsibility to honor that journey by making a meaningful impact. Let no challenge surpass your ambition,” aserted Dr Pathak.

Underscoring the importance of collaboration and innovation, he added, “Work as a team, think beyond convention, and become catalysts for transforming agriculture.”

The event also featured Dr H.P. Singh, former Deputy Director General (Horticultural Sciences), ICAR, as Guest of Honor. Dr Singh delivered a keynote address on the “Scope of Peri-urban Horticulture: In the Context of Amrit Kaal 2047,” highlighting the growing need for innovation and resilience in agricultural systems amid mounting resource constraints and environmental pressures. He advocated for participatory research and training to better align scientific efforts with farmer and community needs.

Dr Gopal Lal, Acting Director of ICAR-NAARM, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the Foundation Course, which equips new ARS recruits with critical skills in research methodology, project planning, science communication, and leadership. He also administered the oath of service to formally induct the probationers into India’s national agricultural research system.

The Foundation Course is a flagship initiative of ICAR-NAARM, playing a pivotal role in preparing early-career scientists to respond to national and global agricultural challenges with competence, integrity, and innovation.

As India enters the Amrit Kaal—a milestone phase in its development trajectory toward 2047—ICRISAT remains committed to working with national and international partners to cultivate the next generation of scientific leaders for dryland agriculture and beyond.