Dryland Congress 2026 Opens in New Delhi
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare announced the opening of Dryland Congress 2026 at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC) in New Delhi on September 10, 2026. The three-day congress has brought together more than 800 delegates from over 25 countries, including scientists, policymakers, development partners, industry representatives, academicians, civil society organizations, and farmers to deliberate on science-, technology-, and policy-based solutions for resilient and sustainable dryland agriculture.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that drylands should not be viewed as a weakness but rather as a potential strength for India, Africa, and other regions facing similar challenges. He called for an integrated approach based on science, policy, and market support to transform dryland agriculture, strengthen food and nutritional security, and improve farmers' livelihoods. Chouhan stated that the ultimate measure of success should not be increased production alone but also improved livelihoods and prosperity of farming communities.
Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, delivered a visionary address on India's experience in transforming agricultural systems and lessons for the Global South. He emphasized that transforming drylands requires interventions beyond agriculture and called for a whole-of-system, whole-of-society, and whole-of-government approach to create opportunities and improve livelihoods in dryland regions.
Shri Narendra Bhooshan, Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, Government of India, spoke on reimagining drylands through digital public infrastructure, land resources management, and community action. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, highlighted the global importance of drylands for food systems and livelihoods and called for a roadmap to make drylands productive, profitable, and resilient while creating livelihood opportunities and reducing out-migration.
During the opening session, several publications were launched including 'Transforming the Drylands: The ICRISAT Journey' edited by Dr. Himanshu Pathak and Dr. Stanford Blade, which documents more than five decades of ICRISAT's work in science, innovation, partnerships, and impact across Asia, Africa, and other regions. The Dryland Congress 2026 Abstract Book containing more than 250 abstracts and the ICRISAT Research and Corporate Profile were also launched.
The technical program on the first day featured three thematic sessions: 'Breeding for Tomorrow: Accelerating Genetic Gains', 'Climate-Resilient Dryland Landscapes', and 'Better Diets and Nutrition through Markets & Policies'. These sessions brought together experts to deliberate on accelerating genetic gains in crops, strengthening climate resilience, improving management of dryland landscapes, enhancing nutrition, and creating better livelihood opportunities.
The congress was presided over by Dr. R. S. Paroda, Former Secretary of DARE and Former Director General of ICAR, with participation from former leaders of ICAR and ICRISAT including Dr. Panjab Singh, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, and Dr. William D. Dar. The farmer perspective was represented by Padma Shri awardee and farmer Bhikiya Ladakya Dhinda, emphasizing the importance of incorporating farmers' experiences and requirements in strategies for transforming dryland agriculture.