Food and Nutrition Security Enabling Systems Transformation Knowledge and capacity development

ICRISAT Scientists Leverage Prestigious Australia Awards Short Course to Drive Nutrition-Sensitive and Resilient Agri-Food Systems

ICRISAT scientists apply global lessons from the program to make agri-food systems more inclusive, nutrition-sensitive, and resilient to climate change.

September 22, 2025

In an effort to combat hidden hunger and climate vulnerability, two scientists from International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) are applying insights gained from an Australian government–funded leadership program. Their work aims to translate cutting-edge strategies into tangible actions for transforming agri-food systems.

Dr Kavitha Kasala, Associate Scientist, ICRISAT, and Dr Abhishek Das, Scientist—Agricultural Economist, ICRISAT, selected among an elite group of 20 from across India for the Australia Awards Short Course on Agriculture and Food Security, have swiftly moved from theory to action. Their work, focused on making agriculture more resilient and food secure, especially in the drylands, directly addresses the dual challenges of climate change and malnutrition.

Funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australia Awards are designed to build skills, knowledge, and partnerships that support sustainable development. Led by the University of New England, Armidale, Australia, the course blended virtual and on-site learning in Australia, featuring workshops, expert lectures, and exposure visits to leading research institutions and government agencies in New South Wales, Sydney, and Canberra. A core component of the program was the development of a Return-to-Work Plan (RWP), designed to ensure the immediate application of acquired knowledge.

“Australia is a global leader in agrifood research and innovation. Strategic partnerships are fundamental to developing sustainable solutions for food insecurity and malnutrition. This program brings together ICRISAT and Australian scientific excellence, equips our leaders with innovative knowledge and skills to ensure our research is production-focused and approaches toward nutrition-sensitive agriculture that strengthen community resilience in vulnerable regions,” stated Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General - Research & Innovation at ICRISAT.

The scientists implemented their RWPs with significant institutional impact:

Dr Kavitha Kasala organized a one-day Sensitization Workshop on Inclusive and Nutrition-Sensitive Agri-Food Systems for ICRISAT staff. The workshop aimed to integrate these critical approaches into the institute’s ongoing research and development projects, fostering a more holistic view of food systems.

Dr Abhishek Das is undertaking a systematic review on Modeling Farming Systems to Assess Food and Nutrition Security (FNS). His work focuses on developing an integrated understanding of the modeling landscape to enhance the analysis and design of farming systems for improved nutritional outcomes.

Both RWPs were presented during a final virtual assessment in August 2025, demonstrating a direct translation of global expertise into local action.

“We identified this course as a perfect catalyst for the innovative work both scientists are leading. Their Return-to-Work Plans are not just projects; they are strategic interventions that will ripple through our research portfolio, ensuring our work remains inclusive, impactful, and at the forefront of global food security solutions,” said Dr Victor Afari-Sefa, Global Research Program Director for Enabling Systems Transformation at ICRISAT

Through this journey, Dr Kasala and Dr Das have enhanced their technical and leadership capacities, reinforcing ICRISAT’s commitment to advancing inclusive, nutrition-sensitive, and sustainable agri-food systems in India and beyond.