Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasizes the need for an integrated approach based on science, policy, and market support to transform dryland agriculture. The three-day Dryland Congress 2026 aims to strengthen crop resilience, sustainable management of dryland landscapes, nutrition, markets, and policies while improving livelihood opportunities.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan advocated for an integrated approach based on science, policy, and market support to transform dryland agriculture during the Opening Session of Dryland Congress 2026. The three-day event, held at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), New Delhi from September 10, has attracted more than 800 delegates from over 25 countries, including scientists, policymakers, development partners, industry representatives, academicians, civil society organizations, and farmers. The Congress aims to strengthen crop resilience, sustainable management of dryland landscapes, nutrition, markets, and policies while improving livelihood opportunities for communities dependent on dryland agriculture.
During his speech, Shri Chouhan emphasized that food security, nutritional security, and farmers’ prosperity must remain at the centre of efforts to transform agricultural systems. He stated, ‘Drylands are not a weakness. With the right science, the right policy, and the right market support, they can become one of the greatest strengths for India, Africa, and other regions facing similar challenges.’
The Opening Session was presided over by Dr R. S. Paroda, Former Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Former Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The Congress Co-Chairs are Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General – Research and Innovation, ICRISAT; Dr Devendra Kumar Yadava, Deputy Director General – Crop Science, ICAR; and Shri Sanjay Agarwal, Additional Director General, ICRISAT.
The farmer perspective was represented by Padma Shri awardee and farmer Bhikiya Ladakya Dhinda, underlining the importance of incorporating farmers’ experiences and requirements in strategies for transforming dryland agriculture.
During the Opening Session, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also launched Transforming the Drylands: The ICRISAT Journey, edited by Dr Himanshu Pathak and Dr Stanford Blade and published by ICRISAT. The publication documents more than five decades of ICRISAT’s work in science, innovation, partnerships, and impact across Asia, Africa, and other regions.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
