India will host the CGIAR Science and Partnership Week 2027 in New Delhi from April 12 to 17, 2027, with over 5,000 delegates expected to participate. The event is organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, in partnership with CGIAR.
This international gathering will bring together researchers, farmers, governments, startups, and businesses from around the world to examine agricultural innovations already reaching farmers and identify areas requiring further work. India serves as a natural host due to ICAR leading one of the world's largest national agricultural research systems, with scientists having collaborated with CGIAR for over 50 years. Currently, ten CGIAR research centers work in India focusing on crops, water, livestock, fisheries, nutrition, and policy.
Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, highlighted the longstanding partnership between India and CGIAR, which has significantly strengthened agricultural research and development in the country for over five decades. CGIAR, an international agricultural research partnership comprising 15 research centers across more than 100 countries, has contributed substantially to global agricultural advancement through collaborations supporting crop improvement, natural resource management, food security, and agricultural productivity.
India's agricultural transformation since the Green Revolution was emphasized, with collaboration from international research institutions including CIMMYT, IRRI, and ICRISAT contributing to strengthening India's food production capabilities. The country has evolved from a food-deficit nation dependent on imports to a major food-producing and exporting country. The event will provide a platform to strengthen international cooperation and facilitate exchange of scientific knowledge, technologies, and best practices.
India's priority will be promoting South-South cooperation and sharing successful agricultural innovations with the Global South, particularly African countries. Key areas highlighted for international collaboration include climate-resilient agriculture, digital agriculture and AgriStack, agricultural mechanization, millets, natural farming, and sustainable agricultural practices. The event will also deliberate on emerging priorities across the agri-food value chain, including climate resilience, water management, soil health, public-private partnerships, startups, youth and women's participation, and the role of media in communicating agricultural science.
Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, emphasized that the event will celebrate achievements of this longstanding partnership while developing a forward-looking agenda for the next 50 years of agricultural cooperation. She noted that India has demonstrated what strong national science can achieve at scale, with seeds and knowledge from India already helping farmers in Africa and Asia.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, stated that India's agricultural journey reflects the transformative power of science, technology, and international partnerships. The event aims to showcase India's agricultural achievements, share innovations with the world, and learn from global advancements to co-create solutions for emerging agricultural and food system challenges.
The first CGIAR Science Week took place in Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2025, where CGIAR launched its current research portfolio. The New Delhi edition will focus on moving from science to impact and how partnership can advance South-South cooperation, while exploring how agricultural research and innovation can contribute to India's vision for 2047. The program and speakers will be announced in the coming months.