Leader's Note

Dr Stephen J Twomlow
s.twomlow@cgiar.org
Global Theme Leader
Agroecosystems

We at ICRISAT manage "biological and natural resource systems for the primary purpose of producing food as well as other socially valuable non-food goods and environmental services for our farmers".

I deem it my proud privilege to share a few thoughts with you, while extending a warm welcome to this dynamic web site, which will ensure you the flow of uninterrupted Theme Exploration at the click of the mouse.

I'm pleased that you have taken this opportunity to learn more about our mission, program and personnel. Efficient management of natural resources holds the key for successful farming in the semi-arid tropics (SAT), where cropping is mainly constrained by the soil and climatic factors. The natural resource base of a farmer in the SAT includes a very fragile soil, highly variable climate, and crops, which have low economic value. Improving the productivity using these resources is the challenge we are entrusted with.

Realizing the fact that crop improvement alone cannot bring the desired productivity gains in these environments, the founders of ICRISAT initiated a "Farming Systems Research Program" to help integrate the research in crop improvement with that on resource management. In fact, farming systems research was the first program to commence research experiments at ICRISAT in June 1972 with an aim to develop stable and socio-economically viable farming systems.

Since its inception the program has been concerned with the efficient and sustainable management of natural resources and their related environments in the semi-arid tropics. The program is well known for successful implementation of various research programs that helped not only in developing new technologies and cropping systems, but also in improving our understanding about the problems and in generating new knowledge. It has maintained a balance between research and development to make visible the impact of its research on production and poverty alleviation. The vertisol technology which made it possible to grow two crops in one year on deep black soils, the concept of watershed development which is currently being utilized in India and Africa, and the Integrated Pest Management Strategies which are gaining popularity with the farmers in India are few examples of the our contribution to improve productivity, conserve natural resources and protect the environment.

This Global Theme on Agroecosystems, an enhanced version of the old “Farming Systems Research Program”, has a global mandate to develop appropriate technologies that help farmers improve production and alleviate poverty in the SAT. To achieve this the program operates through three research teams located at Patancheru, India for Asia, Sadoré, Niger for West and Central Africa and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe for Southern and Eastern Africa regions. The research is conducted under four global projects and this site will give you details of current research and achievements.

We believe that the natural resources in the SAT are under threat, and that the sustainable management of these limited resources will continue to remain a challenge. Our team continues to dedicate itself to improving the lives of millions of poor living in this harsh environment by addressing the challenges of the 21st century.

Browse this web site and do give us your suggestions and comments. If you are interested in learning more about Agroecosystems, please do let us know.