Leading Agronomist Appointed as DARE Secretary and ICAR DG
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Synopsis
On April 21, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat was appointed as the Secretary of DARE and DG of ICAR, bringing over 25 years of experience in sustainable agriculture and agronomy.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Mangi Lal Jat appointed Secretary of DARE.
- Brings 25+ years of agronomy experience.
- Focus on sustainable and climate-resilient farming.
- Over 350 peer-reviewed publications.
- Key roles in international agricultural organizations.
New Delhi, April 21 (NationPress) A highly regarded agronomist, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, officially took on the role of Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Monday.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has sanctioned Dr. Jat's appointment for a three-year term in this pivotal position. Previously, he 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), located in Hyderabad.
Dr. Jat is a globally acknowledged expert in sustainable agriculture, possessing over 25 years of extensive experience in agronomy, climate-resilient farming, and conservation agriculture. His appointment is anticipated to usher in a new age of innovation, sustainability, and a farmer-centric approach to research within ICAR and the wider agricultural community, as stated by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Dr. Jat, an alumnus of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, earned his PhD in Agronomy, focusing on soil moisture conservation for rain-fed pearl millet, which is crucial for food security in arid regions. His groundbreaking research has influenced sustainable intensification methodologies for smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa, significantly contributing to global food system resilience efforts.
With more than 350 peer-reviewed publications to his name, Dr. Jat has occupied significant leadership roles at ICRISAT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, and the International Rice Research Institute, along with a 12-year tenure at ICAR as a Systems Agronomist. He has advocated for climate-smart technologies, regenerative farming practices, and digital advancements in agriculture, impacting agricultural policies and practices worldwide.
Dr. Jat has also served in key capacities with numerous esteemed national and international organizations, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA). A distinguished Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, he has received multiple awards, including the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award, one of ICAR’s highest honors for excellence in agricultural research.
“As he embarks on this dual leadership journey, Dr. Jat is well-equipped to steer ICAR in tackling urgent issues such as climate change, soil degradation, and the transformation of food systems,” the official statement concluded.
