In agriculture, where the challenges of food security and climate change are major concerns, visionary leaders are essential. These individuals not only navigate the complexities of agricultural science but also inspire innovation and resilience among communities reliant on farming.
The impact of such leaders extends beyond academic contributions; they shape policies, drive research, and empower farmers, ensuring that agriculture remains productive. Their work is crucial, from enhancing crop yields to developing sustainable practices that can withstand environmental pressures.
Professor Rajeev Varshney is at the forefront of agricultural research at Murdoch University, where, as a director, he leads the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation and the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre.
Throughout his career, he has worked to improve crop output and nutritional value through genomics research and breeding programs. His research has made significant improvements to food security in developing countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, by creating climate-resilient crop varieties that empower farmers and promote effective agricultural practices. Now his research is contributing to improve agriculture in Australia.
Professor Varshney sees a bright future for the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation (CCFI) and the Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC) in Australian and global agriculture industry.
Let’s know more about his journey:
Professor Rajeev Varshney: A Journey in Agricultural Science
Professor Rajeev Varshney, an agricultural scientist, currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation and the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre at Murdoch University. His passion for agricultural science was ignited during his childhood in Bahjoi, Uttar Pradesh, India, a region known for its dense population and agricultural reliance. Initially a reluctant student, he was inspired by the resilience of smallholder farmers who worked tirelessly to support their families amidst challenging conditions.
Recognizing the vital role of agriculture in his community, he pursued a degree in Botany from Aligarh Muslim University in India, eventually earning a PhD in Agricultural Botany from CCS University in Meerut, India. He believes that all fields of study are essential, but his focus on agriculture stems from its significance in providing livelihoods for millions. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to improving agricultural outcomes through genomic research and breeding programs aimed at enhancing crop yield and nutritional value. His earlier work has notably impacted food security in developing countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, where he has contributed to the development of climate-resilient crop varieties.
The Evolution of Agricultural Research
Murdoch University has established itself as a leading institution for agricultural sciences over the past 50 years, reflected in its various dedicated Centres and Institutes.
Recognizing the limitations of biotechnology resources in Western Australia during the 1990s, the WA Government, in collaboration with The University of Western Australia and Murdoch University, founded the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC) in 1992.
This initiative aimed to provide public and private organizations with access to emerging technologies, particularly in genomics and molecular biotechnology. Over three decades, SABC has significantly contributed to enhancing primary production in commercial crops, livestock, and microbes while also advancing biosecurity and biomedical sciences.
Following SABC’s success, the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation was established to focus on translational research. This Centre aims to empower farmers and promote sustainable food systems by integrating diverse disciplines such as genomics, gene editing, bioinformatics, and digital agriculture.
Inspiration Behind Agricultural Journey
Professor Varshney’s dedication to agricultural science has been significantly shaped by influential mentors and pivotal experiences. One of the most impactful moments occurred in 1999 when he met Professor M.S. Swaminathan at MS Swaminathan Research Foundation as a PhD student.
Winning the Best Poster award and receiving a handshake from the Father of India’s Green Revolution left him inspired. Swaminathan’s passion for agriculture and commitment to improving the lives of farmers motivated him to pursue a similar path.
Another transformative experience was attending a keynote speech by Nobel laureate Professor Norman Borlaug in 2003 during his time in Germany. Borlaug’s challenge to embrace modern biotechnology to combat global hunger resonated deeply, igniting Professor Varshney’s determination to focus on genomics-assisted breeding. This commitment has driven his research efforts towards enhancing crop productivity and addressing food security challenges, reflecting his dedication to making a meaningful impact in agriculture.
Distinctive Features of CCFI and SABC in Agricultural Research
The Centre for Crop and Food Innovation (CCFI) and the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC) are distinguished by their interdisciplinary approach to agricultural science. Researchers collaborate across diverse themes, including genomics, pre-breeding, nutrition, and food quality, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of a crop’s lifecycle.
This holistic perspective enables the development of high- quality seed varieties that are resilient to heat, drought, and pests while ensuring that the final products are nutritious and appealing to consumers.
A central focus of their research is addressing the challenges posed by climate change. CCFI and SABC aim to create new crop varieties with higher yields that minimize environmental impact. Their commitment to enhancing farmer profitability goes hand-in-hand with a dedication to sustainability, striving to combat global food insecurity without compromising the health of the planet for future generations. This integrated approach positions them as leaders in the agricultural research industry.
Harnessing Technology for Agricultural Advancement
Professor Varshney emphasizes the crucial role of technology. The organization utilizes advanced genomic prediction techniques, analyzing vast amounts of genomic and agronomic data to gain a comprehensive understanding of crop plants. This approach facilitates the development of resilient crop varieties that can withstand extreme temperatures, pests, and diseases while enhancing the productivity and profitability for farmers.
Prof Varshney established SABC’s Advanced Genomics Platform in 2022 that expands SABC’s research capabilities, enabling the sequencing of diverse crop varieties and landraces. By creating genetic diversity catalogs using this Platform and developing new databases, researchers can implement artificial intelligence and machine learning models that can contribute to the development of improved crop varieties and increased farm productivity.
Navigating Climate Challenges
Professor Varshney identifies climate change as the foremost challenge in agricultural research and production. With a growing global population demanding food and agriculture contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, addressing both issues simultaneously is critical. This concern was a central theme at the recent 3rd International Wheat Congress, organized by Prof Varshney in Perth, which gathered over 950 researchers and policymakers from 52 countries.
The consensus among attendees highlighted climate change as a significant obstacle to sustainable agricultural practices and emphasized the importance of collaboration within the global scientific community to develop innovative solutions that can ensure food security while minimizing environmental impact.
Envisioning the Future
As Australia exports up to 70% of its agricultural produce, Prof Varshney believes that insights from Australian research will enhance its role on the world stage. By identifying desirable traits and collaborating with breeding companies, CCFI research supports the development of superior seed varieties that enable farmers to cultivate more productive and high-quality crops.
The tools and technologies developed at CCFI can be applied internationally, contributing to global food security. Drawing from his previous success at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), where he led the “Tropical Legumes III” project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, he highlights the impact of developing high-yielding crop varieties. This initiative resulted in 266 new legume crop varieties and positively affected 23 million lives in 13 countries in Africa, showcasing the potential for transformative agricultural advancements in the future.
Essential Leadership Qualities for Driving Innovation
Professor Varshney emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and learning as vital leadership qualities in driving innovation within the agricultural sector. He argues that working in silos may yield success, but often results in limited outcomes.
Leaders must adopt a big-picture perspective, identifying critical needs and gaps in research to facilitate meaningful change. Additionally, effective leaders should balance listening with decisive action, recognizing that valuable ideas can emerge from any source while remaining steadfast in their convictions.
Success Stories
Professor Varshney’s department at Murdoch University has celebrated remarkable achievements over the past two years, particularly in the field of agricultural genomics. The team has made significant strides in deciphering the pangenomes of several crops, including wheat, chickpea, and peanut.
This groundbreaking research has unveiled critical insights into the genes responsible for desirable traits such as taste, yield, temperature tolerance, and resistance to pests and diseases. Their findings have been published in prestigious journals like Nature and Nature Genetics, underscoring the impact of their work.
In addition to his research advancements, Prof Varshney has organised numerous global events and conferences, such as the 3rd International Wheat Congress – considered to be the world’s largest gathering of wheat experts. In 2024 alone, events he has organised have collectively brought over 1500 researchers, policymakers and thought leaders to Western Australia. These gatherings have positioned the Western Australia as a hub for research and innovation, fostering collaborative opportunities within the global scientific community.
On a personal note, he highlights two significant milestones. In 2023, he was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society, a prestigious honor that places him among eminent scholars in agricultural science. Furthermore, he has been recognized on the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list for the 11th consecutive year, reflecting his sustained contributions to his field.
Collaborating with industry partners such as Australian Grain Technologies and Chickpea Breeding Australia, his team is focused on developing wheat varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency and drought-tolerant chickpeas.
He is closely working with the Grains Research and Development Corporation and Hort Innovation, two leading Research Development Corporations of Australia, on a wide range of projects that will ultimately offer improved productivity and profit for Australian farmers.
Building a Passionate Team for Change
Professor Varshney prioritizes passion when building and nurturing his team. He seeks individuals who possess a genuine enthusiasm for knowledge and a desire to make a positive impact on society. Recognizing the challenges of academia, he believes that passion is essential in preventing burnout and driving meaningful contributions.
Strategies for Staying Competitive in Academia
Professor Varshney acknowledges the intense competition in academia, particularly for research grants. While competition fosters innovation, he emphasizes the importance of collaboration. By working together, research institutions can achieve superior results more efficiently and cost-effectively, ultimately benefiting the scientific community and advancing common research goals.
Advice for Aspiring Research Leaders
Professor Varshney advises aspiring leaders in research to cultivate a passion for their work. He emphasizes the importance of determination, a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and perseverance to get there. Drawing from his mother’s wisdom, he believes that while circumstances of birth are beyond control, hard work and resilience can overcome any challenge.
