ICRISAT wins top research award at Makueni Agricultural and Trade Fair
The recognition highlights the institute’s work with farmers as demand grows for crops that can withstand dry conditions across Eastern and Southern Africa.
KENYA – The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has received the Best Research Institution award at the 2026 Makueni County Agricultural and Trade Fair in Kenya, marking another milestone in its work with farmers in dry areas.
Organisers presented the award during the four day fair, held from 15 to 18 July at the Makindu Showground. More than 2,000 exhibitors took part in the event, which attracted over 20,000 visitors, including farmers, students, policymakers, cooperatives, agribusinesses and development partners.
Visitors crowded the ICRISAT exhibition area to see improved varieties of groundnut, pigeonpea, sesame, sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, barnyard millet and teff. Scientists also explained good agronomic practices, quality seed use and climate smart farming methods that can help farmers maintain production despite changing weather conditions.
“This recognition belongs to the farmers, partners and scientists who continue to believe that agricultural research can change lives,” said Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT.
“Our responsibility is to develop innovations that are not only scientifically sound but also practical, affordable and scalable. Every improved variety we develop, every technology we disseminate and every partnership we build is aimed at creating resilient food systems, improving nutrition and improving the livelihoods of farming communities,” he added.
The award also reflects ICRISAT’s partnership with the County Government of Makueni. The institute works with farmers, extension officers, local organisations and private companies to promote drought tolerant crops, sustainable farming methods and more diverse food systems.
Makueni Governor H.E. Mutula Kilonzo praised the partnership during the exhibition.
“ICRISAT has been an invaluable partner in helping Makueni build resilient food systems. Through improved crop varieties, farmer training and climate smart technologies, the institute is empowering our farmers to produce more despite changing climatic conditions. This partnership is strengthening household food security, creating income opportunities and giving our communities renewed confidence that agriculture remains a viable pathway to prosperity,” he said.
Dr Henry Ojulong, a breeder at ICRISAT, said the value of research lies in the results farmers achieve.
“Our mission goes beyond developing improved crop varieties. We are working to change lives by giving farmers access to technologies that increase productivity, withstand climate stress and improve incomes while conserving the environment. When farmers harvest more, earn more and feed their families better, that is the true impact of research,” he said.
The award comes as interest in crops that perform well under dry conditions continues to increase across Eastern and Southern Africa. As long periods without rain become more common, ICRISAT plans to continue working with governments, national agricultural research systems, development partners and farming communities to provide practical farming solutions that support food and nutrition security.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
