ICRISAT expands seed systems training to boost dryland agriculture skills
Four training programs bring together experts from 25 countries to share practical tools and knowledge for climate-smart farming.
INDIA – Agriculture experts from across the Global South met in India for a month-long training series aimed at improving skills in climate-smart farming, digital tools, and seed systems.
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics hosted four training programs from 3 March to 3 April 2026 under its Center of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture.
The institute ran the courses with support from India’s Ministry of External Affairs through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program.
A total of 129 participants from 25 countries took part. They included policymakers, researchers, and field workers who focus on farming systems in dry regions. The sessions helped them learn how to apply science-based methods in their own countries and build links with other institutions.
“The future of agriculture will be shaped by how effectively countries collaborate, share knowledge, and scale solutions,” said Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT. “Through ICRISAT’s institutional platforms, such as ISSCA and the Dryland Academy, we connect science, innovation, and partnerships to drive sustainable transformation across the Global South.”
The training covered four main areas. Participants studied farming methods that improve soil health and water use. They also learned how to use digital tools such as remote sensing and data systems to track crops and manage risks.
Other sessions focused on crop breeding for better nutrition and stronger yields, as well as ways to design and deliver seed systems that serve farmers and markets.
“ICRISAT brings over five decades of experience in advancing agricultural science and reaching farmers, including the most underserved,” said Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General for Research and Innovation.
“By sharing this knowledge with diverse cohorts representing over 25 countries, we are strengthening global capacity to tackle agricultural challenges.”
The program included field visits and practical sessions with research bodies, universities, and private firms. Participants visited seed companies, the NutriHub, and the India Meteorological Department to see how tools work in real settings.
Partners from across the CGIAR network and Indian research institutes also contributed to the sessions, offering a wide range of technical knowledge.
“Solutions to many of agriculture’s challenges already exist. We must bridge the knowledge gap to make them accessible across borders,” said Mr Sanjay Agarwal, Assistant Director General at ICRISAT.
ICRISAT plans to run four more training programs later in 2026. Dr Padmaja Ravula said these sessions will continue to build skills, support country-level action, and help more regions apply proven farming solutions.
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