Dryland Congress puts science, markets and policy into one resilience agenda
More than 800 delegates are examining how crop research, landscape management and market access can improve outcomes in dryland regions.
Dryland Congress 2026 has opened in New Delhi with more than 800 delegates from over 25 countries. The three-day programme covers resilient crops, landscape management, nutrition, markets and public policy.
The opening also included publications summarising ICRISAT research and more than 250 abstracts. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan argued that research, policy and market support must work together if drylands are to strengthen food security and livelihoods.
Why it matters
Dryland communities face concentrated climate, water and income risks. Research has practical value only when it reaches farmers through workable crops, local water practices, extension support and market access.
SCULTRA point of view
The congress should be judged by what follows: funded trials, adoption support and measured improvements in farm income and resilience, rather than participation numbers alone.
Limitations
This is an event-opening release. It describes priorities and attendance, not adopted policy, committed programme funding or evaluated field outcomes.
Source: Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, 10 September 2026, 9:02 PM IST.