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ICAR Chief calls for transformation of agricultural higher education
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Monday, 26 October, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has called for a transformation of agricultural higher education to equip future professionals to address challenges such as climate change, natural resource degradation, biodiversity loss and rising demand for nutritious and healthy food.
Addressing a roundtable virtually during the 2026 Norman E Borlaug International Dialogue, organised by the World Food Prize Foundation in Des Moines, the United States, Dr Jat spoke in his capacity as president of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), India. He acknowledged the participation of NAAS representatives, including secretary Dr B. S. Dwivedi, foreign secretary Dr Karim Meredia and Dr P. V. Varaprasad, convener of the International Chapter for the Western Hemisphere.
Dr Jat emphasised the need to align agricultural education and research with the evolving requirements of agri-food systems. He highlighted India's longstanding partnerships with global institutions, noting that international collaboration facilitates knowledge exchange, mutual learning and the sharing of scientific and educational advancements.
He stressed the importance of moving beyond production-oriented agriculture towards an integrated approach encompassing agri-food systems and value chains. Stronger collaboration between academic institutions and industry, he said, is essential to develop industry-ready professionals and encourage industry participation across the value chain, including initiatives that support farmers.
Highlighting NAAS's contribution to agricultural policy and research, Dr Jat underlined the role of policy dialogues, policy papers and policy briefs in addressing key research and development challenges. He called for greater coordination among researchers, policymakers, educational institutions, industry and other stakeholders to develop collaborative solutions to emerging issues.
Dr Jat also highlighted initiatives to connect the Indian agricultural diaspora with domestic research and educational institutions. Such networks can strengthen international knowledge exchange and bring global expertise and experience into the transformation of agricultural higher education.
He further referred to the memorandum of understanding signed with the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), which is expected to open new avenues for cooperation in agricultural research, capacity development and knowledge sharing.
Expressing confidence in the potential of stronger international partnerships, Dr Jat said collaborative efforts could advance agricultural research, education and extension, particularly across countries of the Global South. He called for collective action to build resilient and sustainable agri-food systems and support the future of agriculture worldwide.
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