Dr. B.M. Prasanna Appointed as Managing Director of Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA)

18 June 2025, New Delhi: The Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. B.M.Prasanna as its Managing Director, effective June 1, 2025.

Dr. Prasanna brings with him an outstanding legacy of leadership and scientific excellence in global agricultural research and development. Following an illustrious career at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, Dr. Prasanna served as the Director of the Global Maize Program at CIMMYT for nearly 15 years, based in Nairobi, Kenya.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in leading multi-institutional efforts to develop and deploy elite, stress-resilient, and nutritionally enriched maize varieties across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America. His leadership saw the adoption of CGIAR-related climate-resilient maize varieties in sub-Saharan Africa grow dramatically—from 0.5 million hectares in 2010 to over 8.5 million hectares in 2024.

A CIMMYT distinguished scientist and visionary leader, Dr. Prasanna has championed the use of cutting-edge breeding technologies and the establishment of world-class research facilities, including the Maize Doubled Haploid facilities in Kenya and India, and the Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) Screening Facility in Kenya.

Dr. Prasanna also led the CGIAR Research Program on Maize Agri-food Systems (Maize CRP) from 2015 to 2021. He was instrumental in formulating and leading the OneCGIAR Plant Health Initiative from 2022 to 2024, partnering with over 120 global institutions to address key plant health challenges. His leadership in combating major threats such as MLN disease and Fall Armyworm has benefited millions of farmers across continents.

Recognised globally for his contributions to agricultural research, Dr. Prasanna has been conferred numerous honors, including the CIMMYT Distinguished Scientist Award (2024), Fellowship of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (India), the Shanghai Magnolia Award (China), and Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Leadership in Agriculture (India).

With more than 250 research publications and a Google Scholar h-index of 75, Dr. Prasanna is widely regarded as one of the foremost leaders in agricultural science today.

In January 2025, Dr. Prasanna also assumed the role of CIMMYT Regional Director for Asia, further strengthening his commitment to agricultural development across the region.

“I am honoured to join the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) as Managing Director at this pivotal time. Together with our strong partners in India and in other South Asian countries, we will co-develop and deliver improved technologies on diverse fronts, and contribute to food, nutritional and livelihood security in the region. BISA will continue to provide an enabling ecosystem for driving science-driven innovations and technology delivery, addressing major challenges to sustainable agriculture in South Asia,” said Dr.Prasanna after taking charge as BISA’s Managing Director.

As Managing Director of BISA, Dr. Prasanna will lead efforts to strengthen sustainable agricultural research, foster regional collaborations, and drive innovations to ensure food and nutritional security in South Asia.

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