ICAR Prepares for ESTIC 2026 Conclave on Agri-Tech and Food Systems
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) detailed its research priorities and technological innovations during a curtain-raiser event for the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, scheduled from 27th to 29th October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, outlined the Council's role in the thematic area of "Agri-Tech, Food Systems and Nutrition" at the national conclave.
Research Priorities and Key Focus Areas
Dr. Jat emphasized a whole-of-government approach across various ministries, highlighting key research areas including genome editing, bio-fortified crop varieties, climate-resilient agriculture, integrated pest management, horticultural diversification, livestock health, fisheries, natural resource management, and agricultural mechanization. He stressed that scientific innovations must move beyond research laboratories and reach farmers through effective seed systems, technology dissemination, and field-level adoption.
Significant Scientific Achievements
Among the featured scientific achievements are the world's first two genome-edited rice varieties and India's first telomere-to-telomere (T2T) reference genome of pigeonpea. These advances in crop genetics and precision breeding are expected to support further research into improved crop traits and agricultural productivity. In animal health, ICAR highlighted indigenous vaccine research including an African swine fever (ASF) vaccine developed using MA-104 cells, which reports protective effects in target animal populations.
Exhibition and Showcase Details
The ESTIC 2026 conclave will bring together science-related ministries and departments, research institutions, startups, and other stakeholders across 12 thematic areas. The thematic exhibition will feature 13 departmental stalls, 50 deep-tech startups, and 10 departmental technologies. The event will include plenary talks, technical and parallel sessions, international collaboration forums, exhibitions, and startup showcases.
Specific Research Initiatives and Outcomes
ICAR developed 117 horticultural crop varieties during the previous year and is working on biofortified crops and diversified farming systems to support better nutrition. In natural resource management, research on green ammonia explores using hydrogen produced with solar energy to manufacture ammonia as a potential alternative pathway for fertiliser production. Demonstrations covering 10,000 acres across six states were highlighted, involving collaboration between ICAR, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and other stakeholders.
The "Soil Intelligence: AI and Pedological Science" exhibition will highlight the application of artificial intelligence and soil science to digital agriculture and soil-resource assessment. ICAR's research in this area emphasizes understanding soil properties, improving resource-use efficiency, and developing resilient farming systems.
Additional Research Areas and Collaborations
ICAR's research portfolio also includes fisheries and aquaculture, with work on shrimp farming in saline areas to expand productive use of underutilised land and water resources. Agricultural engineering initiatives include cotton-harvesting machinery to improve farm-operation efficiency and address labour constraints.
The SEHAT initiative (Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation), developed jointly by ICAR and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), connects agriculture, food, and human health through biofortified crops and integrated farming systems. ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute has developed a rapid on-site milk adulteration detection kit.
Technical Session and Participants
The technical session on "Agri-Tech, Food Systems and Nutrition" will feature Dr. Ismahane Elouafi as keynote speaker, with Dr. Ashwani Pareek and Prof. Peeyush Soni among session speakers. The panel discussion will include Dr. T. R. Sharma, Ms. Niima, Dr. Rabi N. Sahu, Dr. Firoz Hossain, Dr. Bhagirath Chaudhary, and Dr. Kutubuddin Molla.
ICAR–Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI) highlighted its work on characterisation and reclamation of salt-affected soils, management of poor-quality water, and development of salt-tolerant varieties. The curtain-raiser event aimed to build awareness of ESTIC 2026 and demonstrate the role of agricultural science and technology in advancing food and nutritional security, farmer prosperity, and sustainable agricultural development.