Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Archives

ICRISAT DG Dr Jacqueline Hughes to assume role of Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum

Dr Hughes has over 30 years’ experience in agricultural research for development and is highly regarded for her leadership in tackling the pressing global challenges of food insecurity, sustainable agriculture.

Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, outgoing Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), headquartered in Hyderabad, India, is set to take up the role of Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum in mid-November 2024. Her extensive career, marked by groundbreaking work in sustainable agriculture, equips her to steer the Forum towards its mission. As Secretary General, Dr Hughes will focus on strengthening alliances and advancing innovative solutions in agriculture, ensuring the World Agriculture Forum is well-positioned to address the evolving needs of the sector globally. Her appointment is a testament to WAF’s commitment to bringing visionary leaders on board.

Trained in the United Kingdom, Dr Hughes holds a PhD from Reading University and began her career with postdoctoral work before working with national partners in Ghana. Throughout her career, Dr Hughes has held international leadership positions in prestigious agricultural institutes across Africa and Asia, equipping her with a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by these regions.

A distinguished plant virologist, Dr Hughes has strong interests in remote sensing, digitalisation, and gender equity. She continues to champion the integration of modern technologies, plant quarantine best practices, and the ethical use of intellectual property to enhance agricultural outcomes. Dr Hughes believes in both working locally for global impact and working globally for local impact.

As Director General of ICRISAT, Dr Hughes adeptly led the Institute through the global pandemic, achieving significant milestones despite unprecedented challenges. Under her leadership, ICRISAT was honoured with the Africa Food Prize 2021 and welcomed the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at the Institute’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2022. Dr Hughes further strengthened ICRISAT’s influence as a leader in dryland agriculture in 2023, actively participating in the agriculture meetings of the G20 Summit held in New Delhi and serving as co-Chair of the International Steering Committee for the United Nations’ International Year of Millets.

Rudy Rabbinge, Chairman of the World Agriculture Forum, remarked: “Dr Hughes brings to the World Agriculture Forum a wealth of experience and a commitment to agricultural innovation that is critical to achieving our mission. Her proven ability to deliver impactful results, her deep understanding of the international agricultural landscape, and her vision for sustainable intensification will strengthen the World Agriculture Forum’s position as a leader and partner in addressing food and nutrition security worldwide.”

November 6, 2024

Dr Hughes has over 30 years’ experience

Agro Universities, Award, People

ICRISAT Director General Dr Jacqueline Hughes receives Lifetime Achievement in Global Agriculture Award

The award recognises her pioneering work in plant virology, sustainable agriculture, and food security in regions challenged by climate change and agricultural strain.

Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement in Global Agriculture Award at the 8th Asian PGPR International Conference for Sustainable Agriculture in Taiwan.

The award recognizes Dr Hughes’ lifelong dedication to agricultural research, highlighting her pioneering work in plant virology, sustainable agriculture, and food security in regions challenged by climate change and agricultural strain.

A trained virologist, Dr Hughes’ career spans over 30 years of impactful contributions to global agriculture. She has worked extensively in both Africa and Asia, leading research and development programs that have significantly improved the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

Her leadership has driven programs focused on strategic innovation, sustainable agricultural practices, and cross-cutting research that have had far-reaching impacts across multiple continents. Through her work, Dr Hughes has promoted food and nutrition security, strengthened plant disease management, and pioneered the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to reduce chemical inputs in farming.

In her acceptance speech at the World Vegetable Center in Shanhua, Taiwan, Dr Hughes expressed deep gratitude for the recognition.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive this award from the Asian PGPR Society. I share this achievement with the many dedicated colleagues and partners who have been integral to finding sustainable solutions for agriculture. The challenges we face due to the warming climate are substantial, especially in the semi-arid tropics, but so too are the opportunities to make a lasting impact on food security and environmental sustainability,” remarked Dr Hughes.

Since 2020, Dr Hughes has been at the helm of ICRISAT, steering its mission to enhance food security, alleviate poverty, and foster sustainable agriculture, particularly in the semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Under her leadership, ICRISAT has implemented innovative approaches that bolster the resilience of smallholder farmers, helping them adapt to the mounting pressures of climate change.

The Lifetime Achievement in Global Agriculture Award is the highest accolade bestowed by the Society and is a testament to Dr Hughes’ unparalleled leadership, her commitment to advancing science in service of the world’s most vulnerable farmers, and her dedication to building a sustainable and secure agricultural future.

October 9, 2024

The award recognises her pioneering work in