ICAR and ICRISAT Host Global Dryland Congress 2026 in New Delhi to Transform Arid Agriculture

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have jointly convened the Global Dryland Congress 2026 at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi from September 10 to 12, 2026. Themed "Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South–South Cooperation," the landmark conference brings together more than 800 scientists, policymakers, farmer representatives, and development partners from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The event marks 50 years of partnership between ICAR and ICRISAT. Addressing the opening session as Chief Guest, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that drylands cover nearly 45 percent of the Earth's land surface and support over two billion people, while accounting for nearly 65 percent of India's cultivated area. He called for accelerated research into drought-tolerant crop varieties, precision water management, and soil conservation to ensure long-term food security and climate resilience. The congress features technical sessions covering six core themes: crop breeding, climate resilience, nutrition and markets, farming systems, seed systems, and youth and gender inclusion. The deliberations will conclude with the adoption of the "Delhi Declaration on Dryland," establishing a strategic framework for South–South cooperation in agricultural research and technology sharing.