As we enter the new millennium, we should reflect on what the Institute did in the past and what its role is in the future. In this fast-changing world, international agricultural research centers (IARCs) cannot be complacent; instead they should lead change so that they are well placed to meet the challenges of the new millennium. This is a challenge to both ICRISAT and CGIAR. The ever-increasing world population is expected to touch 7 billion by the year 2010, most of which will be in Asia, Africa, and to a lesser extent, in Latin America. IARCs in general, and ICRISAT in particular, must be prepared to address the research issues involved in generating technologies that can increase food production to feed the billions.

Although the mandate and relevance of the Institute has not changed over the past 27 years, there have been perceptible changes in research strategies and portfolios. For example, the national agricultural research systems (NARS) in the semi-arid tropics(SAT) have developed over the years, and ICRISAT’s paradigm of partnership has therefore changed considerably.

We need greater integration between commodity and systems research, emphasizing environmentally sensitive natural resource management for sustainable agriculture. And we must use cutting-edge science to address the constraints to production, always keeping in mind our mandate of research for development.

Let us together pledge to re-dedicate our efforts to improve food production and sustain the natural resources of SAT in the next millennium.