Dr. Shiv Kumar holds a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding with expertise in crop improvement through resistance breeding, widening the genetic base through pre-breeding, and development of genetic and genomic resources in food legumes. During his 30 year career, he has collaborated internationally, has contributed in development of 51 lentil varieties and published numerous scientific contributions. He is a Fellow of the International Legumes Society, Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding, and Indian Society of Pulses Research and Development and has received academic distinctions, fellowships including Rockefeller, and awards from national and international organizations/societies in recognition of his contribution in food legumes Dr. Kumar leads ICARDA’s Food legumes program whose aim is to deliver improved germplasm of lentil, kabuli chickpea, faba bean and grass pea to partners in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia, and North Africa.