Training programs form the core of ICRISAT’s efforts to build national research capacity across the SAT. ICRISAT provides training opportunities of various types -- on-the-job training, specialized short-term courses, and a range of study programs for scientists and research technicians, frequently tailor-made to suit the requirements of individual participants.

In the past 25 years, over 3000 national staff from 91 countries have undergone training in various forms. The first programs, launched in 1974, were 6-month courses on agronomy and crop production for technical staff, conducted at the Institute's headquarters in India and at ICRISAT locations in different countries. Scientists were sponsored for higher degree academic training; by the early ‘90s, the number of qualified scientists and technical staff had tripled or quadrupled in many countries, particularly in Africa, and many research teams were headed by scientists who had been trained at ICRISAT.

Current emphasis is on specialized, individual skill upgradation for basic and strategic research. Much of the agronomy and crop production oriented training is being de-emphasized or devolved to NARS in the region.