Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for a coordinated approach combining scientific research, supportive policies and market access to transform dryland agriculture and improve the livelihoods of farming communities.
Addressing the opening session of Dryland Congress 2026 at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC) in New Delhi, Chouhan said dryland regions should not be considered areas of weakness. Instead, he stressed that with suitable technological interventions, effective government policies and stronger market linkages, these regions could become important contributors to India’s agricultural and economic development.
The three-day Dryland Congress, which began on September 10, has brought together more than 800 participants from over 25 countries. Scientists, policymakers, farmers, academics, industry representatives, development organisations and civil society groups are participating in discussions on building sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems in dryland areas.
Focus on Farmers’ Prosperity and Nutrition
Chouhan highlighted that agricultural transformation must go beyond increasing crop production. According to him, food security, nutritional security and the economic well-being of farmers should remain at the heart of agricultural policies and programmes.
He emphasised that the success of dryland development should ultimately be measured by improvements in farmers’ incomes, livelihoods and overall prosperity. He also pointed to the relevance of dryland solutions for regions beyond India, particularly countries in Africa and other parts of the Global South that face similar climatic and agricultural challenges.
The Congress is examining strategies related to crop resilience, sustainable landscape management, nutrition, markets and policy support, while also exploring ways to expand livelihood opportunities for communities dependent on dryland agriculture.
Global Experts Discuss Dryland Solutions
The opening session was chaired by Dr R. S. Paroda, former Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Several prominent agricultural experts and former leaders of ICAR and ICRISAT participated in the event. These included Dr Panjab Singh, Dr Trilochan Mohapatra and Dr William D. Dar, along with ICRISAT Board Chair Cathy Reade and CGIAR Chief Scientist Dr Sandra Milach.
The farmer community was also represented, with Padma Shri awardee and farmer Bhikiya Ladakya Dhinda highlighting the importance of incorporating farmers’ practical experiences into strategies for transforming dryland agriculture.
New Publications and Research Highlights
During the inaugural session, Chouhan launched Transforming the Drylands: The ICRISAT Journey, edited by Dr Himanshu Pathak and Dr Stanford Blade. The publication records more than five decades of ICRISAT’s scientific research, innovation, partnerships and development impact across Asia, Africa and other regions.
The Dryland Congress 2026 Abstract Book, featuring more than 250 research abstracts, and the ICRISAT Research and Corporate Profile were also released.
The first day included sessions on crop breeding and genetic improvement, climate-resilient dryland landscapes, and improving diets and nutrition through markets and policies.
Whole-of-System Approach Needed
ICAR Director General Dr M. L. Jat said that transforming drylands would require action extending beyond conventional agricultural interventions. He advocated a whole-of-system, whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach to create sustainable opportunities for people living in dryland regions.
Department of Land Resources Secretary Narendra Bhooshan highlighted the potential of digital public infrastructure, improved land-resource management and community participation in reimagining dryland development.
ICRISAT Director General Dr Himanshu Pathak stressed the global importance of drylands and called for strategies that make them productive, profitable and resilient while creating employment and livelihood opportunities and reducing migration.
Other experts emphasised efficient water management, profitable and environmentally sustainable farming systems, and stronger South-South cooperation. The Congress will continue its discussions on scientific innovation, climate resilience, sustainable farming, nutrition, markets, policies and rural livelihoods, with the broader objective of developing scalable solutions for dryland regions worldwide.
Also Read: ASEAN-India Agriculture Meeting Strengthens Cooperation on Food Security and Sustainable Farming
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
