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HomePosts Tagged "Dr Himanshu Pathak"
Agro Universities, India, People, R&D

Dr Pathak will officially assume his role next year, ushering in a new era of strategic leadership and growth for the Institute.

The Governing Board of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) formally announced the appointment of Dr Himanshu Pathak as the Director General designate of the globally acclaimed institute. The announcement was made by Governing Board Chair Professor Prabhu Pingali during an all-staff event at ICRISAT headquarters in Hyderabad.

Dr Pathak has a distinguished career in advancing global agricultural research and development and will bring a wealth of experience to ICRISAT. He currently serves as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

On behalf of the Governing Board, I am delighted to welcome Dr Pathak as Director General designate said Professor Pingali.

“His strategic vision and proven leadership will be instrumental as ICRISAT confronts the challenges of expanding drylands and drives forward its mission to build resilient, sustainable agri-food systems for the most vulnerable across Asia, Africa, and beyond.

“Under Dr Pathak’s guidance, we are confident that ICRISAT will continue to build powerful new alliances and set new benchmarks in agricultural innovation and global food security and the Governing Board and I look forward to working closely with him.

“We also extend our deepest gratitude to outgoing Director General Dr Jacqueline Hughes for her unwavering leadership during a period of profound transition and unprecedented challenges. Despite the global disruptions brought on by COVID-19, Dr Hughes guided ICRISAT with resilience and vision, driving forward numerous agricultural innovations that have strengthened the Institute’s impact and reach,” said Prof. Pingali.

Dr Pathak’s appointment will herald a new chapter for ICRISAT as it embarks on its 52nd year, reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to pioneering agricultural innovations and cementing its status as a global leader in dryland research.

Dr Pathak will officially assume his role next year, ushering in a new era of strategic leadership and growth for the Institute.

Dr Pathak will officially assume his role

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, India, R&D

The new facilities include Spawn Incubation and Capacity Development Center (Rs 114 lakhs), a Plant Health Clinic (Rs 108 lakhs) equipped to diagnose plant pests and diseases, an Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre (Rs. 12 lakhs) and a Centre of Excellence on Kamalam Fruit (Rs 536.72 lakhs).

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru, witnessed the inauguration of several new buildings and facilities. The event was graced by the presence of Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR, marking a significant step forward for the horticultural sector in India.

Several key facilities were inaugurated at ICAR-IIHR, including a Post-Graduation Dining Facility (Rs. 42.83 lakhs), a Spawn Incubation and Capacity Development Center (Rs. 114 lakhs), a Plant Health Clinic (Rs. 108 lakhs) equipped to diagnose plant pests and diseases, an Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre (Rs. 12 lakhs) and a Centre of Excellence on Kamalam Fruit (Rs. 536.72 lakhs), and the IIHR Fruit Plant Mall (Nursery). These facilities mark significant strides in advancing horticulture research and practice at ICAR-IIHR.

The inauguration also included the HAL-ICAR-IIHR Seed Production Centre, supported by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with an investment of Rs. 2.53 crores under corporate social responsibility, as well as the Karnataka Exotic Fruit Farmers Association (KEFA).

During the inauguration, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, the Director of ICAR-IIHR, welcomed the guests and provided a comprehensive account of the institute’s activities and accomplishments. Dr V. B. Patel, ADG – Fruits & Plantation Crops, conveyed his best wishes to ICAR-IIHR, which is set to celebrate its foundation day on 5th September 2023. He wished the institute many more laurels in the future.

During the occasion, Zopui Consultancy in Mizoram and Wealth Capital Services in Hyderabad signed MoUs for the technology transfer of Ready to Serve (RTS) Beverages from Kamalam.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, during his address, highlighted the significance of these facilities. In recognition of his contributions, Dr Himanshu Pathak was felicitated by ICAR-IIHR and by the farmers, reaffirming his pivotal role in advancing horticulture in India. Dr Pathak expressed his gratitude and optimism for the future, emphasising the vital role of research and innovation in agriculture.

The new facilities include Spawn Incubation and

Agrotech, Company News, India, Sustainability

ICAR will provide technological backstopping to the farmers through Amazon’s network

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi signed an MoU with Amazon Kisan to combine strengths and create synergy between the two organisations to guide farmers on scientific crop cultivation for optimum yield and income. ICAR will provide technological backstopping to the farmers through Amazon’s network. It will improve farmers’ livelihood and boost crop yield. This MoU in farmer’s partnership with the Amazon Kisan program will help ensure access to high-quality fresh produce for consumers across India, including through Amazon Fresh.

On this occasion, Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary DARE & Director General ICAR, emphasised secondary agriculture for better remuneration for the farmers. He further highlighted the importance and role of critical inputs in agriculture and season-based crop plans. He mentioned that ICAR will collaborate with Amazon for technologies, capacity building and transfer of new knowledge.

On behalf of ICAR, Dr US Gautam, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) and Sidhrtha Tata, Senior Product Leader from Amazon Fresh Supply Chain & Kisan signed the MoU.

The outcomes from a pilot project at Pune between ICAR-KVK and Amazon have motivated me to further expand the collaboration to extend the precise agriculture practices developed through extensive research. Krishi Vigyan Kendra will strengthen a wider group of farmers by leveraging a technological base through the transfer of technology and capacity-building programmes. ICAR and Amazon will work together on other farmer engagement programs at Krishi Vigyan Kendras, conducting demonstrations, trials, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance farming practices and farm profitability. Furthermore, Amazon will provide training support and assist farmers in marketing their products through its online platform, facilitating direct connections with consumers.

ICAR will provide technological backstopping to the

AgroPolicy, India, Sustainability, Water

Till date about 81 per cent more than the area covered during pre-PDMC 8 years

A National Workshop on Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) was organised by the Department of Agriculture& Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India discussed with the stakeholders the various approaches which can be adopted for increasing penetration of micro irrigation in the country. Participants from various Ministries/ Department of Central Government, States and UTs, Irrigation Industries, Startups working in the water management sector and Farmers Producer Organisations were present in the event.

Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) inaugurated the event. He emphasised the adoption of technologies in the implementation of the programmes and focused on enhancing micro-irrigation coverage and thereby increasing overall efficiency and water productivity of agriculture for ensuring the food and nutrition security of the country and incomes of the farmers, particularly in rainfed areas. Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, of the Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE) also addressed the inaugural session. He urged all participants to make efforts to adopt micro-irrigation on a large scale to reduce the water footprint of the agriculture sector.

Franklin L Khobung, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare explained in detail the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme and the progress made so far. It was informed that the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) from  2015-16 in all the States of the country which focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at the farm level through Micro Irrigation viz. Drip and Sprinkler irrigation systems. An area of 78 lakh ha has been covered under Micro Irrigation from 2015-16 to till date which is about 81 per cent more than the area covered during pre-PDMC 8 years. The Government has been focusing on increasing water productivity in agriculture and thereby sustainable agriculture and incomes of farmers. A Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) with a corpus of Rs. 5000 Crore has been created with NABARD during 2018-19 with the major objective to facilitate the States in mobilising the resources to provide top-up/additional incentives to farmers for incentivising micro irrigation beyond the provisions available under Per Drop More Crop as well as innovative integrated projects including projects in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) for expanding Micro-irrigation. A Budget announcement has been made to double the initial corpus of the Micro Irrigation Fund under NABARD, by augmenting it by another Rs. 5,000 crores.

During the programme, five Best Gram Panchayats from the States of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were recognised for their efforts in high micro-irrigation adoption and best practices in the water management sector.

Till date about 81 per cent more

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Environment, India, R&D, Sustainability

The discussions were focused on Innovations and Technological Interventions for Agri-Food Systems Transformation

The Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) of G20 nations on ‘Sustainable Agriculture and Food System for Healthy People and Planet’ concluded successfully at Varanasi.

General Dr V K Singh (Retd.), Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Road Transport and Highways inaugurated the meeting on 17th April.

About 80 delegates from the G20 Member States; Invited Guest Countries and International Organisations participated in the meeting.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) chaired the meeting for three days (17-19 April 2023).

The discussions were focused on Innovations and Technological Interventions for Agri-Food Systems Transformation, Frontiers in Science and Technology for Achieving Food Security & Nutrition, Biofortification in Food Crops for Enhancing Nutritional Value, Tropical Seaweed Farming for nutrition and blue growth, Millets And otHer Ancient Grains International Research Initiative (MAHARISHI), One Health as an Integrated and Unifying Approach: Partnerships and strategies for coordinated action, Transboundary Pests and Diseases: R&D Priorities for resilient agri-food systems, Climate Resilient Technologies and Innovations for sustainable agri-food systems, Nature-Positive Agriculture: Science and Innovations for building resilient agri-food system, Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI): Reducing GHS emissions and increasing crop yields. Digital Agriculture and Traceability, Digital Technological Solutions for Reducing Food Loss and Waste, Agri-tech Startup Ecosystem, Pluralistic Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (EAS): partnerships for improving lab to land and outreach, Smallholder and Family Farming: G20- Global South Cooperation forAgri-R&D, Public-private Agri-R&D for Public Goods: Experience in Generating and Accelerating Innovations.

The discussions were focused on Innovations and

Agri Genomics, Agro Universities, AgroPolicy, India, Opinions, R&D

ICAR has initiated a network project on All India Coordinated Research Project on Biotech crops which has both research and third-party evaluation components for the targeted traits

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR issued a detailed statement on various issues of GM mustard, saying that the recent approval for environmental release of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard DMH 11 and its parental lines by GEAC, has attracted the attention of press and public at large.

There are many myths that are being propagated in relation to DMH 11 approval by the opponents of GM. All the National agencies and public research systems with expertise in the areas of agriculture, health including modern and ayurvedic science, environment & ecology are officially and formally involved in the risk assessment of the product for its being safe to humans, animals and environment.

This Statement is therefore being issued in public interest to clarify that any opinion or article published on the subject by anyone not authorized or former employees of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) different from the stated documentations and decisions made by the regulatory authorities functioning under the EPA (1986) are not endorsed by the Council and are subjectable to any administrative procedures required in public interest.

GM technology is a disruptive technology capable of bringing any targeted change with in the crop variety to overcome a problem that is difficult or impossible to achieve that are also safe to humans, animals and environment. Thus, the GM technology has imminent potential for the much-needed revolution in Indian agriculture. It is important to look at the current scenario particularly in relation to domestic production, requirement and import of edible oils in the country.

Atamnirbharata in edible oil- The need of the hour:

India’s import of edible oils is on continuous rise to meet the domestic demand. During 2021-22, we spent Rs.1,56,800 crore on import of 14.1 million tonnes of edible oils consisting of mainly palm, soybean, sunflower and canola oils, which is equivalent to two-thirds of India’s total edible oil consumption of 21 mt. Therefore, self-sufficiency in edible oil is essentially required to reduce the forex drain on agri-import.

Shortfall in domestic production and challenges:

Productivity of oilseed crops viz., soybean, rapeseed mustard, groundnut, sesame, sunflower, safflower, niger and linseed in India is much lower than the global productivity of these crops. During 2020-21, India had total area of 28.8 million hectares (ha) under oilseed crops with total production of 35.9 million tonnes and productivity of 1254kg/ha, which is way lower than the global average. Edible oil recovery of8 mt from 35.9 mt of total oilseeds hardly meets even 35-40 per cent of the total edible oil requirement pegged at 21 mt per annum (mtpa). The situation will worsen in the future as the demand for cooking oil has been increasing year-on-year, with projected demand at 29.05 mt by 2029-30.

Rapeseed-mustard is an important oilseed crop in India grown on 9.17 million ha with total production of 11.75 million tons (2021-22). However, this crop suffers from low productivity (1281 Kg/ha) compared to global average (2000 kg/ha) Disruptive technological breakthrough is needed for enhancing productivity of oilseed crops in general and Indian mustard in particular in the country.

Bright future Ahead:

ICAR institutions and universities are deeply engaged in development of GM crops for different traits such as biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, yield and quality improvement in 13 crops viz., Cotton, Papaya, Brinjal, Banana, Chickpea, Pigeonpea, Potato, Sorghum, Brassica, Rice, Flax, Wheat and Sugarcane involving 11 Institutions through its “Network Project on Functional Genomics and Genome Modification” since 2006.

Further, to take the leads obtained from earlier project forward, ICAR has initiated a network project on All India Coordinated Research Project on Biotech crops which has both research and third-party evaluation components for the targeted traits as well as biosafety studies of six crops during 2021-26 plan period with a total budget outlay of Rs. 24.75 crores. Therefore, it is high time and purely in public interest for the welfare if farmers and consumers of India that the positivity created in minds of both experienced and young budding scientists about the research in the area of transgenic development by this landmark decision of the Govt, to approve GM mustard is taken to logical conclusion.

ICAR has initiated a network project on

Agro Universities, India, People

Dr Pathak took over the charge of Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR from Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra on 1st August 2022.

Senior scientist Dr Himanshu Pathak was appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE).

Dr Himanshu Pathak was serving as the Director, the ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati, India. Prior to this he was the Director, ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack, India. He worked as a Scientist, 1992-01 and Senior Scientist, 2001-06, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi; Co-Facilitator, Rice-Wheat Consortium for the Indo-Gangetic Plains (RWC), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)-India, New Delhi 2006-09; Principal Scientist, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 2009-16; Professor, Discipline of Environmental Sciences, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 2013-16.

He did his Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India (1992) and Post-doctorate Experiences at University of Essex, United Kingdom (1996-97) and Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, Germany (2004-05).He has completed MSc in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. He also studied BSc in Agriculture from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.

Dr Pathak is a scientist of global repute working in the area of Abiotic stress, Climate change and Soil science. He has received many national awards and recognitions for his work Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (2019), Dr NS Randhawa Memorial Award, NAAS (2021), Dr R V Tamhane Memorial Lecture Award of by the Indian Society of Soil Science (2021), Platinum Jubilee Award Lecture of ISCA (2018), Krushi Gourav Award, Orissa Krushak Samaj (2017), Silver Jubilee Commemoration Medal of INSA (2016), Society of Agricultural Professional Excellence Award (2016), etc.

Dr Pathak took over the charge of