World Agriculture Forum - Innovating for Sustainable Future

A globally renowned horticulturist and former Secretary of Agriculture for the Philippines, Dr Dar brings over four decades of visionary leadership to the WAF Board. As the first director of the Philippine Bureau of Agricultural Research and former Executive Director of PCAARRD, he has been at the forefront of science-led innovation in agriculture. Internationally, he has held key roles at leading research institutions such as the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and notably served as Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) from 1999, where he spearheaded initiatives to improve food security and the resilience of dryland farming systems. An influential author and thought leader, his book Feeding the Forgotten Poor underscores his lifelong commitment to inclusive agricultural development. Recognised with the MS Swaminathan Award in 2013 for his leadership in agriculture, Dr. Dar now brings his vast global experience and deep empathy to the WAF Board. In his role, he will help steer the foundation’s strategic direction, championing sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture, advancing farmer-centric innovation, and shaping policies that uplift smallholder farmers—ensuring no one is left behind in the global movement for food and nutritional security.