New Centre of Excellence Launched to Drive Agricultural Innovation through South-South Cooperation
New Delhi : In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural transformation and innovation across developing nations, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in collaboration with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), launched the ICRISAT Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA) today. The launch took place during the Conference on Global South and Triangular Cooperation: Emerging Facets, held in New Delhi.
The event also marked the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICRISAT and DAKSHIN (Development and Knowledge Sharing Initiative), a Government of India initiative that fosters South-South cooperation through capacity building and development partnerships.
A Landmark Platform for Agricultural Collaboration
The newly launched ISSCA aims to serve as a global platform for sharing agricultural innovations, knowledge, and solutions among countries of the Global South—many of which face similar agricultural, climatic, and socio-economic challenges. The Centre is envisioned as a key enabler for peer-to-peer learning, innovation scaling, and the promotion of low-cost, high-impact agricultural technologies and policy models.
A notable feature of ISSCA is its digital portal, which will act as a dynamic repository of validated agricultural innovations, offering access to scalable solutions and fostering strategic partnerships among stakeholders.
Voices of Leadership
Speaking at the event, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, emphasized the untapped potential of the Global South:
“The Global South possesses a rich foundation of innovation, local expertise, and proven solutions. However, unlocking their full potential requires coordinated action, investment, and collaboration. ISSCA reflects ICRISAT’s commitment to empowering these countries to lead their own agricultural transformation through science and partnerships.”
Dr. Pathak praised the collaborative spirit of DAKSHIN and RIS in advancing the cause of South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General of RIS, noted the strategic importance of this partnership:
“DAKSHIN is committed to identifying and sharing sustainable, scalable solutions that can transform the economies and societies of the Global South. Our partnership with ICRISAT will be instrumental in promoting climate-smart agriculture and digital technologies for sustainable farming.”
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), also addressed the gathering. He underscored ICAR’s commitment to international collaboration and stated that the proactive engagement with ISSCA is aligned with India’s vision of shared prosperity through agricultural advancement.
