Dr Mangi Lal Jat, a renowned agronomist and global expert in sustainable agriculture, has officially taken charge as the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, is for a tenure of three years.

Prior to this, Dr Jat served as Deputy Director General (Research) and Director of the Global Research Program at ICRISAT, Hyderabad. With over 25 years of experience in agronomy, climate-resilient agriculture, and conservation farming, he is expected to lead ICAR into a new era of innovation and sustainability.

An alumnus of ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, with a Ph.D. in Agronomy, Dr Jat is recognised for his work on soil moisture conservation in rain-fed pearl millet and his contributions to sustainable intensification strategies for smallholder farmers in Asia and Africa. His research portfolio includes over 350 peer-reviewed publications, and he has held key roles at CIMMYT, IRRI, and FAO, among others.

A Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dr Jat has received multiple accolades, including the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award, ICAR’s prestigious honour for research excellence. His leadership is expected to focus on climate-smart technologies, regenerative agriculture, digital innovation, and strengthening food and nutritional security aligned with India's sustainable development goals.

(PIB)