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HomePosts Tagged "Dr Jacqueline Hughes"
Agro Universities, India, People

Dr Blade currently serves as Deputy Director General – Research until the new Director General, Dr Himanshu Pathak, takes up the position next year.

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) announces a transition of leadership as Dr Jacqueline Hughes, the outgoing Director General, hands over official duties to Dr Stanford Blade, who will serve as Director General – Interim.

Dr Blade currently serves as Deputy Director General – Research and will guide the institute during this period of transition until the new Director General, Dr Himanshu Pathak, takes up the position next year. Dr Hughes expressed confidence in Dr Blade’s leadership as he assumes the role of Director General – Interim. “I leave ICRISAT in capable hands, knowing that Dr Blade’s deep commitment to our mission and his strategic expertise will ensure continuity as we advance our work in resilient agriculture,” stated Dr Hughes.

As Director General – Interim, Dr Blade is committed to reinforcing ICRISAT’s position as a leader in dryland agricultural research, championing scientific innovation, resilience-building, and partnerships.

“I am honoured to serve as a bridge for ICRISAT during this pivotal time, ensuring we maintain momentum until Dr Pathak joins us next year. Together, we remain dedicated to supporting smallholder farmers and delivering on our promise of a more food-secure and climate-resilient future,” said Dr Blade.

ICRISAT thanks Dr Hughes for her exceptional leadership and welcomes Dr Blade to this vital interim role. The institute looks forward to continuing its mission with renewed commitment and advancing agricultural innovations that benefit dryland communities worldwide.

Dr Blade currently serves as Deputy Director

Agro Universities, Award, People

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.

The award recognises her pioneering work in

Agro Universities, Climate, Collaborations, India, R&D, Soil Health

 The technology is rapid, non-invasive and involves no chemical use, for estimating multiple soil parameters.

In a recent study by IIT Kharagpur in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute of Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, has developed and validated the efficiency of Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) models for high throughput soil analysis for impact at scale in smallholder systems.

Years of research at the Agricultural and Food Engineering (AgFE) Department of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur shows that Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) may be used safely for rapid soil assessment. Conventional soil testing laboratories use wet chemistry-based soil testing methods that are time consuming and can become expensive when a large number of samples to be analysed. On the other hand, spectral reflectance of a soil sample can be rapidly measured in a non-contact mode and the results can be transformed to multiple soil parameters using calibrated spectral algorithms. Once the Diffused Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) algorithms are developed for a region, the algorithms may be used for analysing soil samples collected from different fields and at different time of sampling. The technology is rapid, non-invasive and involves no chemical use, for estimating multiple soil parameters.

The DRS approach was shown to be effective for estimating 8 out of 17 soil parameters with as high as 80 per cent accuracy. Specifically, the soil test crop response (STCR) ratings estimated through the DRS approach matched the wet chemistry-based STCR ratings to the tune of 43 to 100%. “This is a great opportunity because most nutrient management strategies are based on STCR ratings and these ratings may be safely estimated using the DRS approach in a very rapid manner,” says Professor B. S. Das from IIT Kharagpur. More than 60 per cent of the new samples estimated with more than 70% accuracy indicates a huge opportunity to apply the DRS technique at different spatial and temporal scales. The partnership with ICRISAT has been very productive in developing these innovative methods for rapid soil health assessment, Prof Das further added.

“ICRISAT has been at the forefront of global efforts to advance sensor-based technologies,” says Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT. “Our recent work with NIRS-based spectroscopy for soil nutrient analysis, along with this pioneering research towards DRS models for soil analysis, ensures our commitment to deliver rapid and cost-effective alternatives to resource-poor agriculture systems.”

This is a step forward in making soil testing a feasibility through remote sensing. As the IEEE Standards Association embarks on standardizing soil spectroscopy as a standard method of soil testing (P4005 – Standards and protocols for soil spectroscopy), the efforts at IIT Kharagpur are a step forward in making soil testing through reflectance spectroscopy a reality. Developing methods for rapid soil testing for the benefit of millions of smallholder farmers of our country resonates well with IIT Kharagpur’s long commitment for low-cost soil analysis for improved agricultural practices.

 The technology is rapid, non-invasive and involves

Agro Universities, Pulses, R&D

The new convention promises to substantially cut the time required to develop new pigeonpea lines with desirable traits, effectively bringing food to dryland communities faster.

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has pioneered the world’s first pigeonpea speed breeding protocol, further bolstering food security in Asia and Africa. The new convention promises to substantially cut the time required to develop new pigeonpea lines with desirable traits, effectively bringing food to dryland communities faster.

Traditionally, pigeonpea breeding can take up to thirteen years. But with the new protocol’s emphasis on material breeding and control over factors like photoperiod, temperature, and humidity, the breeding cycle can now be shortened to just two to four years, as opposed to the conventional period of seven years. Pigeonpea, a staple in tropical and subtropical diets, is crucial for food security and soil health globally and is lauded for its nutritional value and versatility.

Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, underscored the consequence of the innovation. “This pigeonpea speed breeding protocol represents a significant advancement for major pigeonpea-producing regions, paving the way for self-reliance in pulse production and meeting the dietary necessities of nations such as India, Myanmar, Kenya, Tanzania, Myanmar, and Mozambique.

Historically, pigeonpea’s long growth cycle and sensitivity to day length have hindered breeding efforts, with only about 250 varieties released globally over six decades. ​

This new speed breeding protocol addresses these challenges head-on, enabling researchers to develop climate-resilient, nutritionally superior, and higher-yielding pigeonpea varieties at an unprecedented pace.

Dr Arvind Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, acknowledged the protocol’s potential to rapidly develop climate-resilient pigeonpea varieties, highlighting the vital support from the Government of Odisha.

India’s increasing demand for pigeonpea, projected to necessitate the import of 1.2 million tonnes by March 2024, underscores the timeliness of this open-access protocol. It offers a blueprint for rapid, efficient pigeonpea variety development, contributing significantly to the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production. The new protocol, accomplished through the establishment of ICRISAT’s Rapid Generation Advancement Facility, owes its success to the generous support from donors via CGIAR initiatives, underscoring the spirit of collaboration in agricultural innovation. Significant backing for the project to develop the new protocol was received from the Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Government of Odisha, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and the Government of India.

The new convention promises to substantially cut

Agro Universities, Agrotech

Two-week training program aimed at fostering innovation and technology commercialization in African nations.

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) concluded a highly impactful two-week training program aimed at fostering innovation and technology commercialization in African nations. Representatives from 11 African countries participated in the intensive learning experience from January 29 to February 10, 2024.

The event made possible through the generous support of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, commenced with an inaugural address by Snehaja Jonnalagadda, Chief of the MEA Branch Secretariat in Hyderabad, on January 29, 2024.

Highlighting the significance of the event, a valedictory ceremony was held on February 9, 2024, where participants were bestowed with certificates.

In her remarks, Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, lauded the diverse expertise brought forth by participants, representing various ministries and national institutes of science, technology, and agriculture across their respective nations.

Dr Hughes expressed gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India for their support and underscored the importance of safeguarding intellectual assets, particularly from a legal standpoint.

Dr Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, Chairperson and CEO of IKP Knowledge Park in Hyderabad, also addressed the gathering and presented certificates to the participants.

In her address, Dr Chattopadhyay emphasised the imperative of leveraging the training received, particularly as many participants hold pivotal roles in negotiations within their countries.

Dr Chattopadhyay highlighted the importance of strategic planning in negotiations, urging participants to prioritize opportunities that serve the best interests of their nations.

Dr Suryamani Tripathi, Global Head – Legal Services at ICRISAT, and Dr Padmaja Ravula, Coordinator of ICRISAT’s Dryland Academy, emphasised the role of participants as ambassadors for their countries and advocated for the continuation of the invaluable network established during the training.

Two-week training program aimed at fostering innovation

AgroPolicy, Sustainability

Naveen Patnaik, in his inaugural speech, acknowledged the contribution of international experts and scientists from the CGIAR in improving agriculture in the State of Odisha

The three-day Krushi Odisha 2024 conclave organised by the Government of Odisha with the theme ‘Celebrating Women in Agriculture’ was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of the State Naveen Patnaik at Janta Maidan. More than 70 per cent of the participants were women farmers and the lead women farmers were recognised and felicitated at the event.

Naveen Patnaik, in his inaugural speech, acknowledged the contribution of international experts and scientists from the CGIAR in improving agriculture in the State of Odisha.

The pre-inaugural session ‘Gender-responsive and Nutri-sensitive Food Systems – Delivering Nutrition and Health for All’ was led by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in partnership with the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).

Commending the Government of Odisha on the initiative, the Director General of ICRISAT, Dr Jacqueline Hughes, underscored the organisation’s commitment to inclusive growth, noting that the empowerment of women in agriculture fosters positive change towards healthier food systems and a sustainable future. 

“Women in agriculture are not just contributors; they are leaders, innovators, and stewards of the land. It’s time to recognize and amplify their role in shaping the future of farming,” said Prof Pravat Kumar Roul.

“We need to work hand-in-hand with female farmers who are critical in shaping the diets of the family – empowering women farmers not only empowers current families but safeguards future families through improved health and nutrition in children,” said Dr Sean Mayes.

Naveen Patnaik, in his inaugural speech, acknowledged

Agro Universities, India, Interaction, R&D

Programme aims to equip research managers and leaders with practical tools and strategies to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and steer agricultural research and development.

Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General, ICRISAT, addressed Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) training participants on August 21, 2023, at the invitation of the ICAR – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (ICAR-NAARM) in Hyderabad, India.

NAARM’s Executive Development Programme (EDP) for leadership development is tailored to empower national research managers and leaders in various roles, including Directors and Assistant Directors General, with enhanced leadership capacities and competencies.

The event began with the Presidential Address by Dr Ch Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-NAARM, followed by an overview by Dr G Venkateshwarlu, Joint Director and Program Director.

Dr Hughes elaborated on the critical role of transformative leadership in driving positive change and fostering innovation within the realm of agricultural research.

Her insights provided a launchpad for the participants to embark on their own leadership journey within the National Agricultural Research and Education System while appreciating the synergies and opportunities through collaboration with international institutes and global research organizations.

The program ends on August 26th and aims to equip research managers and leaders with practical tools and strategies to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and steer agricultural research and development toward greater efficiency and impact.

Programme aims to equip research managers and

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, Sustainability

The logo and official website of the India-Africa International Millet Conference unveiled during the event

To celebrate the International Year of Millets, the Ministry of Agriculture and Famers Welfare, Government of India and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Kenya will be co-hosting the ‘India-Africa International Millet Conference’ in Kenya with support of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The international conference scheduled for 30-31 August 2023, will witness participation from government leaders, researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs and industry associations etc, from around the globe.

The official curtain raiser for the ‘India-Africa International Millet Conference’ was held in Nairobi, Kenya, giving the audience a glimpse of what to expect.

The event was graced by the High Commissioner of India to Kenya, Joint Secretary (Crops), Government of India, Principal Secretary, Government of Kenya and Director General, ICRISAT. Officials from the agricultural sector of Kenya, members of the diplomatic community, international agricultural research leaders, farmers and representatives from the private sector also attended.

Through the international conference, the Governments of India and Kenya aim to raise public awareness about millet as the ‘world’s emerging smart food. Additionally, the global event would also help highlight the South-South exchange and collaboration opportunities within the realm of millets.

With high levels of minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc and other vital nutrients, Millets are a treasure trove of health benefits. Additionally, they are also drought-resistant, pest-resilient, climate-friendly crops that can boost income opportunities and livelihoods of smallholder farmers, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

One of the key highlights of the Curtain Raiser event was the unveiling of the logo and website of the India-Africa International Millet Conference. The website will enable participants to register for the conference and learn more about the global event and Millets in general.

The Curtain Raiser event commenced with Dr Jacqueline Hughes, DG ICRISAT, briefing the audience about the agenda of the event. While enumerating the multiple benefits of millets, she spoke about the growing discourse around mechanization, seed systems, digital agriculture and value addition in millets. “We need to strengthen the value chains of millets to ensure consumer demand which will then assure farmers of profitable markets”, Dr Hughes noted.

The logo and official website of the

Agro Universities, AgroPolicy, Agrotech, India, R&D

The collaboration would focus on research related to value chains, seed systems, sustainable diversification, and water-budget integration in drought-prone regions of Bihar.

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Topics (ICRISAT) is collaborating with the Government of Bihar to provide scientific support for the implementation of Bihar’s 4th Krishi (agricultural) Road Map. The plan aims to enhance the sustainability and profitability of crop production in the state, which encompasses diverse agro-climatic zones and which experiences floods and droughts.

Dr Mangala Rai, Agriculture Advisor to the Chief Minister of Bihar chaired a meeting in which representatives from ICRISAT, Bihar’s Department of Agriculture, allied departments, and universities came together to develop an action plan for the roadmap.

Deputy Director General of Research at ICRISAT Dr Arvind Kumar said the Institute was privileged to be part of the 4th Krishi Road Map and the collaboration would encompass cutting-edge research in molecular biology, crop improvement, and millet research, bolstered by innovative technologies and approaches such as gene editing, speed breeding, and landscape-based cultivation methods.

“The partnership will also focus on research related to value chains, seed systems, sustainable diversification, and water-budget integration in drought-prone regions of Bihar emphasizing the concept of One Health – encompassing feed and fodder research and breeding,” said Dr Kumar.

Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, applauded the collaboration and said ICRISAT was delighted to support the 4th Krishi roadmap in fortifying Bihar’s agricultural sector.

“This signifies a remarkable moment for transformative progress in Bihar. Through our collaboration, we can harness the power of cutting-edge research, innovative solutions, and evidence-based strategies to catalyse sustainable agricultural development in the state.

“Bihar’s agriculture roadmap places a strong emphasis on capacity building and skill development for the next generation of researchers from agricultural universities, and I am encouraged that it is committed to inclusive development, recognising the importance of gender and youth empowerment.

“By joining forces, we are poised to unlock the full potential of Bihar’s agricultural landscape, fostering resilience, productivity, and prosperity for the farming community, and nurturing a vibrant rural economy for enhanced food sovereignty, livelihoods, and social well-being,” said Dr Hughes.

The collaboration would focus on research related

Agri Genomics, India, IT, People, R&D, Sustainability

Internationally renowned science-based organisation and pioneering TechBio platform expected to deliver innovative nature-based solutions through exciting public-private relationship

A new cooperation framework was signed between the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Eagle Genomics at the International Conference on Innovations to Transform Drylands.

Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General, ICRISAT, and Anthony Finbow, Eagle Genomics CEO, signed the agreement overseen by an international gathering of some of the world’s foremost dryland agrifood system experts. 

The MOU will see leading organisations – Eagle Genomics, the pioneering UK-based TechBio platform business applying network science to biology and ICRISAT, an India-headquartered international non-profit organisation that undertakes scientific research for development – collaborate at the intersection of life science and data science to help solve urgent global challenges in food security, nutrition, and agriculture. 

Anthony Finbow, Eagle Genomics CEO, said the collaboration with ICRISAT was a natural fit given the innovative and purpose-driven nature of both organisations, to improve the lives of those suffering from hunger and malnutrition. 

There is a growing awareness that malnutrition cannot be solved without a robust understanding of the role of the microbiome both in enhancing resilience to climate change but also in enhancing nutrient absorption. This includes ensuring access to safe and healthy food and targeting novel microbial-based solutions to improve nutrition, enhance wellness and reduce disease. ​

The e[datascientist] is a platform powered by network science1 and multilayer hypergraphs2, applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide a data-driven insight journey into solving complex problems and delivering greater impact in climate resilience, improving plant nutrient density, and increasing data-driven wellness and human health outcomes.

The platform integrates active learning at every step of the microbiome innovation journey, from characterising and describing microbiomes to a better understanding of complex causal mechanisms to elucidating host-microbiome interactions. Eagle Genomics is reinventing life sciences research and development by bridging the ‘translation gap,’ enabling scientific knowledge from a range of disparate sources and data sets to be integrated and analyzed through the e[datascientist] platform to create novel hypotheses and deliver robust, scientifically underpinned practical solutions.

Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General ICRISAT, said the MOU would see ICRISAT share datasets with Eagle Genomics, drawing upon extensive on-the-ground experience in Asia and Africa that had led to several agricultural world firsts. These include developing early maturing groundnut as well as high iron biofortified pearl millet, innovations that have directly responded to the challenges posed by climate change. This new partnership offers an opportunity to address, and even leapfrog beyond, the Sustainable Development Goals to drive science-based targets for regenerative agriculture.

Internationally renowned science-based organisation and pioneering TechBio