APRIL 21: Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, a renowned agronomist with global recognition in sustainable agriculture, officially took charge today as the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). His appointment, announced by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) last week, is for a tenure of three years.
Prior to this, Dr. Jat served as the Deputy Director General (Research) and Director of the Global Research Program at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad. He brings with him over 25 years of profound expertise in agronomy, climate-resilient agriculture, and conservation farming—fields crucial to India’s evolving agricultural landscape.
An alumnus of the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, Dr. Jat holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy with a specialization in soil moisture conservation in rainfed pearl millet—an area vital for food security in arid regions. His groundbreaking work has been instrumental in developing sustainable intensification strategies tailored for smallholder farmers in Asia and Africa.
Dr. Jat’s scholarly output includes over 350 peer-reviewed publications, and he has held prestigious positions at leading international research organizations including the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and a 12-year tenure with ICAR as a Systems Agronomist. He has significantly contributed to promoting climate-smart agriculture, regenerative farming techniques, and the adoption of digital innovations in farming.
He has worked closely with global bodies such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA), influencing key agricultural policies and practices worldwide. A Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), Dr. Jat has received numerous accolades, including ICAR’s prestigious Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award for outstanding research contributions.
In his new leadership role, Dr. Jat is expected to steer ICAR toward a future marked by innovation, sustainability, and farmer-centric research. His strategic vision is aligned with India’s national goals of sustainable development, climate resilience, and ensuring nutritional security for its vast population.