The ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA), Hyderabad, celebrated its 42nd Foundation Day with great zeal and enthusiasm on April 12, 2026.

The occasion was graced by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General,ICRISAT,who attended as the Chief Guest. Several distinguished dignitaries participated as Guests of Honour, including Former Directors of CRIDA,Dr. Y. S. Rama Krishna, Dr. B. Venkateswarlu, Dr. K. P. R. Vittal, Former Director ICAR-NIASM, and Prof.M.GnanaPrakash,ViceChancellor, PVNRTVU,Hyderabad.

Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, IARI also graced the event as Guest of Honour and addressed the gathering through virtual mode.

Apart from the employees, former Project Coordinators, AICRPDA,AICRPAM,farmers from different part of country and students of IARI Mega university Hyderabad hub also participated in the programme .The programme started with lightning lamp.

In welcome address, Dr. V. K. Singh, Director,CRIDA highlighted the significant achievements of the institute in advancing rainfed agriculture, while acknowledging the invaluable contributions of past and present staff. He also outlined future strategies and action plans aimed at strengthening research, extension, and technology dissemination for dryland farming systems.

Dr. Y. S. Rama Krishna appreciated the achievements of past years and appraised the work done by CRIDA on soil health management and watershed management.

Dr.KPR vittal briefed about the achievements of CRIDA right from beginning of the inception of the institute.

Dr. B. Venkateswarlu appreciated the work of CRIDA under NICRA project. He asked the scientists to develop projects using digital technologies like AI and IOT for the development of dryland agriculture.

Prof. M. Gnana Prakash stressed the importance of nutritional quality food for livestock and argued the scientists to work on to improve the nutritional quality.

Dr .Ch.Srinivasa Rao shared the memories of CRIDA and praised the contribution of CRIDA for the development of dryland agriculture. He congratulated the IARI mega university students for their performance and appreciated the CRIDA staff for their support in achieving the students better results. He argued the young scientists to work more for benefit of dryland farmers.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak argued the scientists to work with devotion to get better results. The Chief Guest, in his Foundation Day address, emphasized the importance of integrated research, effective extension, and participatory approaches in enhancing food security and improving farm-level profitability, particularly in rainfed regions. He argued the scientists to work together to face challenges to improve the productivity, profitability and prosperity.

A major highlight of the event was the felicitation of innovative farmers from different parts of country. These farmers were recognized for their outstanding contributions in improving productivity and enhancing climate resilience through innovative practices.

Best Staff Awards were conferred to the staff in recognition of their dedicated service and significant contributions to the organization.

Prizes were also given to the winners of various sports events organised during the event.

On this occasion, several institutional publications were released, showcasing the latest research outputs and achievements of ICAR-CRIDA.

Dr. KV.Rao Head, Division of Resource Management(DRM) proposed vote of thanks.