In response to threats posed by range shifts of pests and diseases due to climate change, ICRISAT and the Department of Science and Technology of the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology is supporting a three year project to conduct research-for-development on diseases and insect-pests of legumes in the semi-arid tropics.
13 February 2012: The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has teamed with the Department of Science and Technology (DST)-Climate Change Programme, Indian Ministry of Science and Technology to launch a Center of Excellence on Climate Change Research for Plant Protection.
The creation of the Center responds to the significant threats to sustainable food production, particularly in areas that are currently marginal producers, caused by the impacts of climate change, which leads to changes in geographic ranges of diseases and insect pests.
The three-year project aims to provide opportunities for ICRISAT to conduct research-for-development on climate change and its impact on diseases and insect-pests of legumes in the semi-arid tropics. The programme will search for environment-friendly, pest mitigation strategies adaptable to climate change impacts. ICRISAT scientists noted the particular vulnerability of grain legumes such as chickpea and pigeonpea. The programme will also have a strong focus on science-based solutions and pro-poor approaches for adaptation, particularly in rainfed agricultural systems. ICRISAT is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [ICRISAT Press Release]