ICRISAT pursues an integrated genetic and natural resource management (IGNRM) strategy to improve the livelihoods of the poor in semi-arid crop -livestock-tree production systems . ICRISAT's research will make major food/feed crops more productive, nutritious and affordable to the poor; diversify utilization options for staple food crops; develop tools and techniques to manage risk and utilize the natural resource base of semi-arid tropical production systems in a sustainable fashion; and identify ways to strengthen delivery systems and to diversify income sources for the population.

Partnership-based research for impact, pro-gender and diversity action, capacity building and enhanced knowledge and technology sharing are integral to this mandate. ICRISAT's strategic focus in the semi-arid tropics is to attain impact while maintaining a global level of scientific excellence in agricultural research.

ICRISAT targets key opportunities for improving the well-being of poor people, with food and nutrition security being fundamental premises. Above all, it recognizes the need for greater thematic integration and diversification of partnerships as a core principle for engaging science and technology for development.