Global Dryland Congress 2026 to Address Agricultural Challenges
The Global Dryland Congress 2026 is set to take place in New Delhi from September 10 to 12, 2026, focusing on transforming dryland agriculture through South-South cooperation. This pivotal event, organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their partnership at the National Agricultural Science Complex.
With drylands constituting around 45 percent of the world’s land and housing over two billion people, many of whom are smallholder farmers, the Congress addresses pressing issues such as climate variability, land degradation, and water scarcity. The timing of the gathering is crucial as these challenges threaten the livelihoods and food security of countless communities.
Engagement Across Disciplines
Over three days, the Congress will bring together more than 800 participants, including scientists, policymakers, and representatives from the farming sector across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Attendees will engage in discussions on six main themes: breeding, climate resilience, nutrition and markets, farming systems, seed systems, and gender and youth inclusion. Activities will include panel discussions, keynote presentations, parallel sessions, and poster exhibitions, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and best practices.
Commemorating South-South Cooperation
The final day of the Congress coincides with the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, featuring a ceremonial acknowledgment of this initiative. Special sessions will focus on enhancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) in agricultural research, in collaboration with CGIAR. This highlights the commitment of nations to work together towards sustainable agricultural solutions.
Outcomes and Declaration
The Congress will conclude with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Dryland (3D), signaling a collective commitment to addressing the numerous challenges facing dryland regions. Additionally, new partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) will be announced, alongside awards to honor individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to dryland science.
Several prominent figures will attend, including Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who will serve as Chief Guest. Notable speakers will also include Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, and renowned leaders and experts from the field of dryland agriculture, emphasizing the global relevance of this Congress.
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