Drylands Can Become India’s Strength: Shivraj Chouhan
Dryland Congress 2026 brings together 800-plus delegates from 25 countries to focus on climate resilience, nutrition and farmers’ livelihoods
- Chouhan calls for an integrated approach to transform dryland agriculture
- Congress brings together scientists, policymakers, farmers and industry representatives
- Day one focuses on crop breeding, climate resilience, nutrition and markets
- ICAR and ICRISAT leaders stress system-wide solutions and South-South cooperation
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th Sept: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for an integrated approach based on science, policy and market support to transform dryland agriculture, strengthen food and nutritional security and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Addressing the opening session of Dryland Congress 2026 at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi on September 10, Chouhan said drylands should not be viewed as a weakness. With appropriate scientific interventions, supportive policies and market opportunities, they can become a source of strength for India, Africa and other regions facing similar challenges.
The three-day Dryland Congress 2026 has brought together more than 800 delegates from over 25 countries, including scientists, policymakers, development partners, industry representatives, academicians, civil society organisations and farmers.
Chouhan said food security, nutritional security and farmers’ prosperity must remain at the centre of agricultural transformation. He stressed that success should be measured not only by higher production but also by improved livelihoods and prosperity of farming communities.
During the opening session, Chouhan launched Transforming the Drylands: The ICRISAT Journey, edited by Dr Himanshu Pathak and Dr Stanford Blade. The Dryland Congress 2026 Abstract Book, containing more than 250 abstracts, and the ICRISAT Research and Corporate Profile were also launched.
Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General, ICAR, called for a “whole-of-system, whole-of-society and whole-of-government” approach to dryland transformation. He stressed the need to move from recommendations to action and from isolated interventions to integrated systems.
Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Narendra Bhooshan, highlighted the role of digital public infrastructure, land-resource management and community participation in strengthening dryland regions.
ICRISAT Director General Dr Himanshu Pathak called for a roadmap to make drylands productive, profitable and resilient while generating livelihood opportunities and reducing out-migration.
Dr R. S. Paroda emphasised water management and called for greater economic and nutritional value from every drop of water, while former ICAR Director General Dr Panjab Singh stressed profitable, resilient and environmentally sustainable farming systems.
The first day featured sessions on “Breeding for Tomorrow: Accelerating Genetic Gains”, “Climate-Resilient Dryland Landscapes” and “Better Diets and Nutrition through Markets & Policies”.
The Congress also highlighted South-South cooperation for sharing knowledge, innovations and successful models across dryland regions. The deliberations will continue over the next two days with a focus on scientific innovation, climate resilience, sustainable farming systems, nutrition, markets, policies and livelihood opportunities.
