In a significant development for Indian agriculture, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, a widely respected and compassionate voice in the field of agronomy, has officially taken charge as the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for a three-year term, is being welcomed across the agricultural community with hope and optimism.
Dr. Jat’s journey in agriculture is one marked by deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and service to farmers. With more than 25 years of experience, he has played a vital role in advancing climate-resilient and conservation-based farming practices. His academic roots lie in the prestigious ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, where he earned his Ph.D. in Agronomy. His doctoral work on soil moisture conservation in rain-fed pearl millet holds immense relevance today, particularly in India’s arid and semi-arid regions where food security remains a critical concern.
Before assuming this new role, Dr. Jat served as Deputy Director General (Research) and Director of the Global Research Program at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Hyderabad. His leadership has left a lasting impact at globally recognized institutions such as ICRISAT, CIMMYT, and IRRI. Over the years, he has consistently advocated for regenerative farming, digital agriculture, and farmer-centric innovation—principles that are increasingly vital in the face of climate change and resource constraints.
Dr. Jat’s scholarly contributions are equally remarkable, with over 350 peer-reviewed publications to his name. He has worked closely with international bodies like the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Society of Precision Agriculture. His expertise has not only shaped policy but also empowered smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa, helping them adopt sustainable practices that enhance productivity while protecting the environment.
Among his many honors, the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award—one of ICAR’s highest distinctions—reflects his lifelong dedication to agricultural research and its impact on society. As he steps into this crucial leadership position, Dr. Jat brings with him a vision grounded in empathy, scientific excellence, and an unwavering focus on farmers’ welfare. His tenure is expected to steer Indian agricultural research toward more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative pathways, ensuring that the needs of both the planet and its people are met with care and foresight.
His appointment comes at a time when Indian agriculture faces both formidable challenges and unprecedented opportunities. With Dr. Jat at the helm, there is renewed confidence that ICAR will rise to the occasion, leading the charge in building a resilient, equitable, and nutrition-secure future for the nation.
