# International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

> International research organization

**Wikidata**: [Q262250](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q262250)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Crops_Research_Institute_for_the_Semi-Arid_Tropics)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/international-crops-research-institute-for-the-semi-arid-tropics

## Summary
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is an international research organization focused on improving agriculture in semi-arid tropical regions. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Patancheru, India, ICRISAT is a member of the CGIAR network and operates as a gene bank and research institute.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1972 as an international research organization
- Headquartered in Patancheru, India
- Member of CGIAR and DataCite
- Operates subsidiaries in Niamey and Bamako
- Awarded the Africa Food Prize in 2021
- Maintains gene bank collections for semi-arid tropical crops
- Active on social media with over 48,000 Twitter followers (as of February 2023)
- Has a YouTube channel with over 11,500 subscribers (as of September 2025)

## FAQs

### Q: What is ICRISAT's main purpose?
A: ICRISAT is an international research organization dedicated to improving agriculture in semi-arid tropical regions through research, gene banking, and development of sustainable farming practices.

### Q: Where is ICRISAT located?
A: ICRISAT is headquartered in Patancheru, India, with additional research centers in Niamey, Niger and Bamako, Mali.

### Q: When was ICRISAT established?
A: ICRISAT was established in 1972 as an international research organization focused on semi-arid tropical agriculture.

## Why It Matters
ICRISAT plays a crucial role in addressing food security and agricultural sustainability in some of the world's most challenging environments. By focusing on semi-arid tropical regions, which are home to over 2 billion people and characterized by water scarcity and poor soil conditions, ICRISAT's research directly impacts the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who are most vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation. The institute's work in developing drought-resistant crop varieties, improving farming techniques, and building local capacity helps to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable land management in regions where traditional farming methods often fail. Through its gene bank and research programs, ICRISAT contributes to global efforts to combat hunger, improve nutrition, and create resilient agricultural systems that can withstand the pressures of a changing climate.

## Notable For
- Being a CGIAR member organization dedicated specifically to semi-arid tropical agriculture
- Operating one of the world's most comprehensive gene banks for dryland crops
- Receiving the prestigious Africa Food Prize in 2021 for its contributions to food security
- Maintaining active research centers across multiple African and Asian countries
- Developing and distributing improved crop varieties adapted to harsh environmental conditions

## Body
### Research Focus and Impact
ICRISAT specializes in agricultural research for semi-arid tropical regions, which cover approximately 40% of the world's land area and are home to over 2 billion people. The institute's research focuses on crops that are particularly important in these regions, including pearl millet, sorghum, chickpea, pigeonpea, and groundnut. Through its breeding programs and agronomic research, ICRISAT has developed numerous improved crop varieties that are more resilient to drought, pests, and diseases while also offering higher yields and better nutritional quality.

### Global Network and Partnerships
As a member of CGIAR, ICRISAT collaborates with a wide network of international partners, including national agricultural research systems, universities, and development organizations. The institute's work is supported by various governments, foundations, and international agencies, enabling it to conduct research that addresses both local and global agricultural challenges. ICRISAT's partnerships extend to over 50 countries, where it works with local communities to implement research findings and build sustainable agricultural systems.

### Gene Bank and Genetic Resources
ICRISAT maintains extensive gene bank collections that preserve the genetic diversity of dryland crops essential for food security in semi-arid regions. These collections serve as a valuable resource for crop improvement programs worldwide and help ensure the availability of genetic material needed to develop new varieties that can adapt to changing environmental conditions. The gene bank's collections include both cultivated species and their wild relatives, providing a comprehensive genetic resource for future agricultural development.

### Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer
Beyond its research activities, ICRISAT places strong emphasis on capacity building and knowledge transfer. The institute provides training programs for researchers, extension workers, and farmers, helping to build local expertise in agricultural science and technology. Through its various outreach programs and partnerships with national agricultural systems, ICRAT ensures that research findings are effectively translated into practical solutions that can be adopted by farming communities in semi-arid regions.

## References

1. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
2. [Source](https://africafoodprize.org/icrisat-recoit-le-prix-africain-de-lalimentation-2021/)
3. GRID Release 2017-01-10
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research
6. [Source](https://www.icrisat.org/wp-content/uploads/icrisat-sp-2020.pdf)
7. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20240112184553/https://datacite.org/members/)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Google Knowledge Graph
10. GRID Release 2015-12-14
11. GRID Release 2016-12-06
12. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
13. YouTube API