New Centre of Excellence Launched to Boost Agricultural Development

In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural innovation, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has launched the Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA). This new centre aims to foster collaboration and innovation among countries in the Global South. The launch took place during the Conference on Global South and Triangular Cooperation: Emerging Facets in New Delhi. ICRISAT partnered with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) to establish this centre. The aim is to address the unique challenges faced by agricultural sectors in these nations. Agriculture plays a vital role in the economies of the Global South. It supports livelihoods and is crucial for food security. However, many countries face issues like low productivity and climate change. These challenges hinder agricultural growth. To overcome these hurdles, collaboration among nations is essential. The ISSCA will facilitate knowledge sharing and development partnerships. ICRISAT also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DAKSHIN. This government initiative focuses on strengthening cooperation through capacity building. Dr Himanshu Pathak, the director-general of ICRISAT, stated that the Global South is rich in local knowledge and innovation. However, to unlock this potential, countries need to work together more effectively. The ISSCA will help countries lead their agricultural transformation. It will provide a platform for sharing successful innovations and technologies. The centre will also feature a digital portal. This portal will serve as a repository of validated agricultural solutions. It will enable peer learning and partnership matchmaking. The goal is to provide low-cost technologies and policy models tailored to the needs of developing regions. This initiative is not just about sharing information. It is about creating real impact in communities by providing practical solutions. The ISSCA will also focus on climate-smart agriculture. This is crucial as the effects of climate change become more pronounced. The centre aims to empower communities to build resilient agricultural systems. By fostering partnerships, the ISSCA will enhance digital and climate-smart agriculture systems. The collaboration between ICRISAT and DAKSHIN is expected to bring about significant changes. It will allow for the identification and sharing of scalable solutions. These solutions can transform the economies of the Global South. The launch of ISSCA is a milestone in the commitment to agricultural development. It signals a new era of cooperation among nations facing similar challenges. As the Global South leads its agricultural transformation, the emphasis will be on inclusive growth. This will ensure that no one is left behind in the quest for food security and sustainable development. The ISSCA is a call to action for governments, communities, and researchers. Together, they can share solutions, build partnerships, and create a fairer future. The centre represents hope and a pathway towards self-reliance and equity in agricultural practices. In conclusion, the ISSCA aims to transform agricultural development in the Global South. By harnessing local knowledge and innovations, it seeks to create impactful solutions. With the right partnerships and coordinated efforts, the future of agriculture can be bright and sustainable.