Dr Manzoor Dar obtained his Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences from Aligarh Muslim University in India in 2003. Dr Manzoor furthered his education by completing an MBA in project management from Karnataka State Open University, India.
With two decades of international experience in Seed, Systems, and Scaling of agricultural innovations, Dr Manzoor is a dedicated and results-driven Agricultural Development Professional. Dr Manzoor's journey led him to ICRISAT in 2021, following his role as an International Rice Specialist at FAO. Before that, Dr Manzoor spearheaded the Global Research Cluster focused on "Seed & Delivery Systems & Germplasm Evaluation" at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Dr Manzoor formulated a Global Strategy for Seed & Delivery Systems and devised a Varietal Replacement Strategy for Climate Resilient Rice in South Asia.
Throughout his extensive engagement with CGIAR, Manzoor gained expertise in amplifying the impact of agricultural innovations through strategic partnerships. Dr Manzoor's skill set encompasses global program coordination and the cultivation of strategic collaborations, with a specific emphasis on Research for Development (R4D) in seed systems and technology adoption. A proactive manager, adept team builder, and strategic planner, Manzoor excels in attracting and securing key stakeholders and nurturing robust and enduring business relationships. His leadership acumen and demonstrated capacity to tackle challenging issues have earned him recognition in the field.