May 26 : As climate uncertainty, rising fertilizer costs, and global supply chain disruptions increasingly threaten agricultural systems worldwide, agri-input dealers are taking on a far more important role than simply supplying seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products.
According to Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, agri-input dealers are rapidly evolving into trusted frontline advisors who can help farmers adopt climate-smart and resilient agricultural practices.
This growing transition was highlighted during a recent training program organized by ICRISAT headquarters in Telangana, India, under the theme “From Input Suppliers to Climate-Smart Farm Advisors.” The program focused on strengthening knowledge related to soil health management, sustainable farming systems, balanced nutrient use, crop diversification, and resilient agriculture.
“Farmers today need more than products. They need practical guidance, scientific knowledge, and access to solutions that help them adapt to an increasingly uncertain agricultural environment,” said Dr. Pathak.
Global fertilizer markets have become increasingly volatile due to geopolitical instability and disruptions in international supply chains, creating serious challenges for farming communities, particularly in countries dependent on imported agricultural inputs.
For smallholder farmers already dealing with erratic rainfall, declining soil fertility, water scarcity, and climate shocks, these pressures are intensifying the need for resilient farming systems.
ICRISAT’s ongoing work across Asia and Africa is increasingly focused on helping dryland farmers improve productivity, resilience, and incomes under difficult growing conditions. Central to this effort is the promotion of resilient crops such as chickpea, pigeonpea, and groundnut.
Unlike many cereal crops, legumes require comparatively lower nitrogen fertilizer inputs because they naturally improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. These crops also support crop diversification, improve soil health, enhance water retention, and provide additional income and nutritional benefits for farming households.
In regions such as Southern Africa, chickpea is emerging as a strategic climate-resilient crop due to its adaptability to dryland conditions and growing domestic and export demand. Through partnerships with governments, researchers, and the private sector, ICRISAT is supporting the expansion of climate-resilient chickpea production and strengthening seed systems across the region.
The institute is also accelerating the development and scaling of improved crop varieties that are drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and better suited to the realities facing dryland farmers today.
Dr. Pathak emphasized that the success of these innovations depends not only on research but also on strengthening the advisory capacity of individuals working most closely with farmers.
“In many rural communities, farmers interact with local agri-input dealers before consulting scientists or extension officers. Their recommendations on fertilizer use, seed selection, crop diversification, micronutrients, and pest management can significantly influence productivity and long-term sustainability,” he said.
As agriculture becomes more knowledge-intensive and climate-sensitive, agri-input dealers are increasingly serving as important intermediaries between scientific research and farming communities.
Through training initiatives such as the Telangana program, ICRISAT is helping equip agri-input dealers with the scientific knowledge and practical tools needed to support climate-smart agriculture and resilient food systems.
The institute also emphasized the importance of gender-inclusive approaches in agricultural training programs, recognizing the critical role women play in agriculture, household food security, and rural livelihoods.
As pressures on global food systems continue to grow, investing in resilient agriculture and strengthening trusted local advisory networks may prove essential for ensuring future food security and sustainable rural development.
