|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
NAAS showcases Indian agri research capabilities at global food dialogue
|
|
Tuesday, 27 October, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Our Bureau, Mumbai
|
The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), New Delhi, showcased India’s agricultural research capabilities and strengthened international collaborations at the 2026 Norman E Borlaug International Dialogue, organised by the World Food Prize Foundation (WFPF) under the theme ‘Before Hunger Wins’. The event was held from October 20 to 22, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
NAAS’s participation featured an exhibition showcasing publications from the Academy and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), participation of young Indian students in the Global Youth Institute (GYI), a roundtable on agricultural higher education, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), USA.
Seven high school students from across India, selected through the NAAS-YUVA selection drive, participated in the GYI programme, presenting research papers addressing critical food security challenges. The programme provided an opportunity for the students to interact with international peers and exchange perspectives on food security and sustainable agri-food systems. Ameena Nazreen A S received a GYI award carrying a cash prize of US$500, bringing recognition to India’s young talent on the international platform.
The NAAS exhibition booth highlighted India’s scientific contributions through publications from NAAS and ICAR. It provided an opportunity to share Indian agricultural research, scientific knowledge and policy perspectives with international researchers, academicians, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Alongside the dialogue, a special roundtable on agricultural higher education brought together members of the Indian agricultural diaspora to discuss the transformation of agricultural education through global partnerships.
Addressing the meeting virtually, Dr M L Jat, President of NAAS, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General of ICAR, called for reimagining agricultural higher education to equip future professionals to address global challenges, including climate change, natural resource degradation, biodiversity loss and the growing demand for nutritious and healthy food.
Dr Jat emphasised the need to move beyond production-centric agriculture towards an integrated agri-food systems and value-chain approach. He highlighted the importance of stronger academia-industry collaboration, international knowledge exchange and engagement with the Indian agricultural diaspora to develop industry-ready professionals and strengthen agricultural research and education.
He also underscored NAAS’s role in facilitating policy dialogue and bringing together researchers, policymakers, academic institutions and industry to address emerging challenges in agricultural research and development.
Another key development was the signing of an MoU between NAAS and CAST to expand cooperation in agricultural research, capacity development and knowledge exchange. The partnership is expected to strengthen institutional linkages and create opportunities for international scientific collaboration.
Congratulating the young participants and highlighting the importance of global engagement, Dr Jat emphasised that nurturing young talent and strengthening international partnerships are essential to developing innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and global food security. He expressed confidence that such collaborations would advance agricultural research, education and extension, particularly across countries of the Global South.
Through its participation in the international dialogue, NAAS reaffirmed its commitment to promoting India’s agricultural research excellence, fostering global scientific partnerships and contributing to a resilient and sustainable food system.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|