ICRISAT and RIS launched ISSCA to boost South-South agricultural innovation and signed an MoU with DAKSHIN to enhance collaboration and scalable agri-solutions in dryland regions.

About the New Centre

• Named- ICRISAT Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA).
• Based in Hyderabad, India.
• Objective: Aims to translate agricultural research into practical solutions that can be scaled up.
  • Will act as a hub for sharing India’s agricultural expertise with other developing countries.
  • Seeks to democratize agricultural knowledge and turn learnings into policy recommendations.
  • Supports countries looking to develop their private seed industry.

About International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)

• It is a premier international agricultural research organization working to improve livelihoods in dryland areas.
• Establishment: ICRISAT was established in 1972 as a nonprofit, international organization and is a part of the CGIAR network.
  • Its headquarters is located in Hyderabad, India.
• Members: ICRISAT is supported by a consortium of over 60 countries, including India, and partners with national governments, regional organizations, and development agencies worldwide.
• Objectives
  • It focuses on developing climate-resilient crops such as sorghum, millet, chickpea, and pigeon pea suited to semi-arid tropics.
  • It aims to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable agriculture through scientific research and technology transfer.

About RIS (Research and Information System for Developing Countries)

• It is an autonomous policy research institute based in Delhi.
• Establishment: First set up May 1983 in New Delhi as a registered society for leading policy research.
  • In 1983, created after recommendation from Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries.
• Objectives: Support South-South Cooperation among developing nations. 
  • Engage in regional economic partnership. 
• Key Areas of Research
  • Global Economic Governance and Cooperation
  • Trade, Investment, and Economic Cooperation
  • Technology and Development Issues
  • Regional Connectivity and Trade Facilitation

UN FAO’s Role in South-South Cooperation

• Global Facilitator: The UN Food and Agriculture Organization supports over 100 countries with technical cooperation and institutional frameworks.
• Key Interventions: FAO promotes sustainable agriculture, resilience to climate change, and knowledge sharing among Global South partners.
• • FAO-China SSC Programme: One of the largest global SSC programs, facilitating agricultural experts, demonstration farms, and technology transfer.
  • FAO-Brazil Programme: Supports hunger eradication and school feeding programs in Latin America and Africa.
  • FAO-India Triangular Partnership: Promotes digital agriculture and climate-smart farming practices in African and Asian nations.
• Impact: Helps in scaling up climate-smart, low-cost technologies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Challenges of the Global South in the Agriculture Sector

• Climate Stress: Droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures affect crop productivity.
• Resource Constraints: Limited access to capital, inputs, infrastructure, and modern technology.
• Food Security Gaps: Persistent hunger and undernutrition due to production shortfalls and poor supply chains.
• Policy and  Knowledge Barriers: Fragmented research and weak extension systems hinder dissemination of innovations.

India’s Global Leadership in Agri-Innovation

• Strategic Initiatives: Platforms like DAKSHIN support development partnerships and training across Global South nations.
• Institutional Strength: ICAR and DARE actively collaborate with international research organizations to transfer sustainable agri-solutions.
• Digital Agri-Tech: India leads in deploying low-cost digital platforms and climate-smart technologies tailored for smallholder farmers globally.