Dr. Mangi Lal Jat Takes Charge as Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR

Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, a distinguished agronomist, assumed charge today as the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), in its notification last week, named Dr. Jat as the new Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR for a period of three years. Prior to this, he 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), Hyderabad.

Dr. M.L. Jat, a globally recognised figure in sustainable agriculture, brings over 25 years of rich experience in agronomy, climate-resilient farming, and conservation agriculture. His appointment is expected to catalyse a new era of innovation, sustainability, and farmer-first research within ICAR and the broader agricultural ecosystem. An alumnus of the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, Dr. Jat holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy with a specialisation in soil moisture conservation in rain-fed pearl millet—a critical area for food security in arid regions. His pioneering research has shaped sustainable intensification strategies for smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa, contributing to global efforts toward food system resilience.

With an impressive portfolio of over 350 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Jat has held key leadership positions at ICRISAT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), besides serving for 12 years at ICAR as a Systems Agronomist. He has championed climate-smart technologies, regenerative farming practices, and digital innovations in agriculture, influencing agricultural policies and practices across continents. Dr. Jat has also held key roles with several prominent national and international organisations, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA).

A Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), he has been honoured with numerous accolades throughout his career, notably the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award, one of ICAR’s highest recognitions for excellence in agricultural research. As he steps into this dual leadership role, Dr. Jat is poised to guide ICAR in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and food system transformation. His vision aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable development, precision farming, and ensuring nutritional security for its vast population.