Global Community to Convene in New Delhi for Dryland Congress 2026; Over 800 Global Experts to Deliberate on Six Key Themes

The Global Dryland Congress 2026 represents a landmark moment in international agricultural diplomacy and climate-resilient farming, positioning India at the forefront of South-South cooperation in dryland agriculture. Scheduled from 10–12 September 2026 at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi, this three-day event is jointly organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), celebrating five decades of their strategic partnership since 1972. This collaboration began when India, recognizing the critical importance of semi-arid tropics for its food security, hosted ICRISAT’s global headquarters near Hyderabad — a decision reflecting India’s early commitment to agricultural research for the Global South. Drylands cover approximately 45% of the Earth’s land surface and support over two billion people, predominantly smallholder farmers in developing nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These regions face compounding challenges: climate variability, land degradation, water scarcity, and volatile markets. The Congress’s theme — ‘Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South–South Cooperation’ — underscores a paradigm shift from traditional North-South aid models to peer-to-peer knowledge exchange among developing countries. This aligns directly with the United Nations’ South-South Cooperation framework, formally recognized by the UN General Assembly through Resolution 58/220 (2003) and reinforced by the 2009 Nairobi Outcome Document. The Congress’s final day coincides with the UN Day for South-South Cooperation (12 September), featuring dedicated sessions on advancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) in agricultural research, convened jointly with CGIAR — the world’s largest global agricultural innovation network. For India, the stakes are profound. Nearly 68% of India’s net sown area (about 141 million hectares) falls under rainfed/dryland agriculture, contributing 44% of food grain production and supporting 60% of the country’s livestock population. States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are heavily dependent on dryland farming. The Congress’s six thematic pillars — breeding, climate resilience, nutrition and markets, farming systems, seed systems, and gender and youth inclusion — directly address India’s policy priorities under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched in 2008. Constitutional provisions further anchor this focus: Article 48 directs the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines, while Article 21 (Right to Life) has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to food security and livelihood. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) empowers Panchayati Raj Institutions to manage local natural resources, making grassroots participation in dryland governance essential. Key stakeholders include over 800 scientists, policymakers, farmer representatives, and development partners. The Chief Guest, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, signals high-level political commitment. Leadership from ICAR (Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary DARE & DG ICAR), ICRISAT (Dr Himanshu Pathak, DG; Ms Cathy Reade, Board Chair), CGIAR (Dr Sandra Milach, Chief Scientist), and luminaries like former ICAR DGs (Dr R.S. Paroda, Dr Panjab Singh, Dr T. Mohapatra) and Prof. S.G. Mohammed (Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University, Nigeria) and Dr William Dar (former ICRISAT DG) reflect a convergence of institutional memory and global expertise. The expected outcome — the Delhi Declaration on Dryland (3D) — will likely outline a roadmap for technology sharing, germplasm exchange, capacity building, and joint research funding among Global South nations. New MoUs and awards will further institutionalize partnerships. Strategically, this Congress elevates India’s role as a ‘Voice of the Global South’ — a theme championed during India’s G20 Presidency (2023) and the Voice of Global South Summits. It strengthens India’s soft power through agricultural diplomacy, particularly with African nations where ICRISAT has deep roots. Economically, innovations in drought-tolerant crops (millets, sorghum, pigeonpea), climate-smart farming systems, and inclusive seed delivery models can boost rural incomes and reduce import dependence on edible oils and pulses. Socially, the focus on gender and youth inclusion addresses the feminization of agriculture and rural outmigration. Looking ahead, the 3D Declaration could catalyze a formal Global South Dryland Alliance, potentially linked to the International Year of Millets (2023) legacy and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030). For aspirants, this event is a living case study of science-policy-farmer convergence, multilateralism, and constitutional governance in action — essential for UPSC GS Paper II (International Relations, Governance), GS Paper III (Agriculture, Climate Change, Disaster Management), and Essay papers.