Srinagar, August 18, 2025 – A high-level delegation from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), comprising Dr. Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General-Research, Dr. Damaris Odeny, and Dr. Manzoor A. Dar, met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday to discuss strategies for advancing climate-resilient agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation was accompanied by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir).The team briefed LG Sinha on ICRISAT’s mandate to address critical challenges such as poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and environmental degradation in the drylands of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The discussion highlighted ICRISAT’s focus on developing climate-smart, high-yielding, disease-resistant, and pest-resistant crop varieties, alongside promoting sustainable farming systems, natural resource management, water-use efficiency, and strengthening agricultural value chains and farmer resilience.A key focus of the meeting was the climate fragility of the Himalayan region and its impact on agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods.
The delegation emphasized the need for innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change on farming in Jammu and Kashmir, a region vulnerable to environmental shifts.LG Sinha expressed keen interest in fostering a collaboration between ICRISAT and Jammu and Kashmir to enhance the region’s capacity to tackle future agricultural challenges. He stressed the importance of introducing new technologies, promoting crop diversification toward resilient crops, and leveraging data-driven decisions and advisories to support farmers.
This partnership aims to bolster food security, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture in the region.Dr. Stanford Blade, who assumed his role as ICRISAT’s Deputy Director General-Research on April 1, 2024, brings extensive expertise in agricultural research and innovation. With a Ph.D. from McGill University and prior experience as Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta, Dr. Blade is poised to lead impactful research initiatives at ICRISAT. Dr. Damaris Odeny and Dr. Manzoor A. Dar, key members of ICRISAT’s research team, also shared insights into the institute’s global efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai underscored SKUAST-Kashmir’s commitment to aligning with ICRISAT’s vision to advance climate-resilient farming practices and support the region’s farmers through cutting-edge research and technology.This meeting marks a significant step toward building a robust framework for agricultural innovation and climate adaptation in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring a sustainable future for farmers in the region.
