Dr Viswanathan Chinnusamy

Joint Director (Res), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Dr. Viswanathan Chinnusamy: Pioneering Climate-Resilient Agriculture Through Science and Innovation

Dr. Viswanathan Chinnusamy is a distinguished agricultural scientist and visionary leader who has made transformative contributions to plant physiology, molecular biology, and climate-resilient agriculture. Currently serving as Joint Director (Research) at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, he has devoted nearly three decades to advancing scientific understanding of how plants respond and adapt to environmental stresses. His pioneering research has unravelled key molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying crop tolerance to drought, salinity, and temperature extremes, providing critical insights for developing resilient agricultural systems in the face of climate change.

An accomplished scholar with international research experience, including prestigious appointments at Harvard Medical School and the University of California, Dr. Chinnusamy has successfully bridged fundamental plant science with cutting-edge technologies such as genome editing, functional genomics, and phenomics. His scientific leadership has contributed to the development of innovative climate-resilient crop varieties, including the landmark Pusa DST Rice 1, demonstrating the immense potential of precision breeding and gene-editing approaches to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability without introducing foreign DNA.

Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Chinnusamy has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s biotechnology and agricultural innovation ecosystem. Through the leadership of national research networks and strategic initiatives, he has facilitated the translation of laboratory discoveries into practical technologies for farmers while contributing significantly to the development of regulatory and policy frameworks governing gene-edited crops. His efforts have strengthened the integration of modern biotechnology into mainstream agriculture, ensuring that scientific advancements deliver tangible benefits to farming communities.

A respected mentor, educator, and institution builder, Dr. Chinnusamy has inspired and guided numerous young scientists who are now contributing to agricultural research and innovation across the country. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he has been elected Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and has received several prestigious honours, including the ICAR Jawaharlal Nehru Award and the J. J. Chinoy Gold Medal.

Through his unwavering commitment to scientific excellence and societal impact, Dr. Viswanathan Chinnusamy continues to shape the future of Indian agriculture, advancing a new era of climate-smart and technology-driven crop improvement that will strengthen food security, farmer resilience, and environmental sustainability for generations to come.