The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) bestowed PCARRD the Outstanding Research Partnership Award on December 7 at Patacheru, Andhra, Pradesh, India.
The awarding ceremony was part of ICRISAT’s weeklong celebration of its 38th founding year.
Representing PCARRD, in behalf of the Council’s Executive Director Patricio S. Faylon, was Planning and Development Division Director Leah J. Buendia.
Aside from Buendia, India’s Department of Biotechnology Secretary MK Bhan, and Prof. MS Swaminathan and Martha B. Stone, current chair and former chair of the Governing Board of the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, respectively, attended the Institute’s anniversary activities.
Incidentally, PCARRD’s partnership with ICRISAT started in 1975 and was renewed in 1994. The Council’s partnership with the Institute fostered an opportunity for the two agencies to collaborate in the Cereals and Legumes Asia Network with the Philippines as Country Coordinator; exchange germplasm and breeding materials; and engage in capacity building activities, scientist exchange, and information exchange.