Renowned agricultural scientist Dr. Mangilal Jat assumed charge as the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on April 21. Prior to this, he served as Deputy Director General (Research) and Global Research Program Director at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Jat is internationally recognized for his work in sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming, and conservation agriculture. Under his leadership, ICAR is expected to accelerate innovation, promote eco-friendly agricultural technologies, and enhance farmer-centric research.
Dr. Jat has a PhD in Agronomy from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. His doctoral research focused on soil moisture conservation in rainfed millet cultivation, a sector critical for food security in arid and semi-arid regions. He has also contributed to the development of sustainable intensification strategies for smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa, significantly strengthening global food systems.
He has authored more than 350 research publications and held leadership roles in prestigious international institutes such as ICRISAT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). His efforts in promoting climate-smart agriculture, regenerative practices, and digital innovations have influenced agricultural policy worldwide.
Dr. Jat is affiliated with global organizations including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA). He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and has received several prestigious honors, including the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award.
Under his visionary leadership, ICAR is poised to tackle pressing challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and transformations in food systems. Dr. Jat’s focus on sustainable development, precision farming, and nutrition security will further strengthen India’s commitment to resilient and inclusive agriculture.
