IFPRI welcomes a familiar face to the role of South Asia director with the appointment of Pramod Kumar Joshi on February 1, 2012. After serving as the Institute’s South Asia coordinator from 2003 to 2006, P. K. became the director of the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management in Hyderabad before rejoining IFPRI as senior program manager in New Delhi. He holds a master’s degree and PhD in agricultural economics from the G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar and has received numerous awards throughout his career, including an Indian National Academy of Agricultural Sciences Fellowship. He has also contributed to improving global food security through his work on various international and national agricultural boards and committees, most recently as board chairman for the United Nations Centre for Alleviating Poverty through Secondary Crops.

P. K. brings a wide range of research and experience to the role of IFPRI’s South Asia director, and his expertise in one of the world’s most dynamic regions is sure to help the Institute carry out its mission to end hunger and malnutrition and reduce poverty—both within the region and around the world.