Global Collaboration to Enhance Dryland Agricultural Innovations in New Delhi

Major International Efforts for Advancing Agricultural Innovation

In New Delhi, a key event took place on September 12, 2026, to mark the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, focusing on fostering agricultural innovation across the Global South. Held during the acclaimed Global Drylands Congress 2026, this assembly attracted global experts dedicated to exploring solutions addressing escalating climate, water, and food security issues prevalent in dryland regions.

The Congress highlighted methods to accelerate proven agricultural innovations across national borders, specifically tailored to countries with similar climatic and agricultural contexts. This approach allows for solutions to be adapted to local conditions, maximizing their positive impact on farmers and food systems. Emerging as a vital platform for collaboration, the Congress gathered prominent agricultural scientists, policymakers, researchers, and private sector participants, aiming to shape the future of agricultural practices in dryland areas.

One of the focal points was the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and its Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA). This initiative is designed to facilitate the adaptation and widespread implementation of proven agricultural strategies. Currently, ISSCA collaborates with 19 partners, has identified over 100 validated agricultural solutions, and provides support to over 300 professionals from 40-plus countries. Their initiatives cover diverse areas including climate-resilient crops, effective soil and water management practices, digital agriculture, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.

The urgency of addressing challenges faced by dryland regions cannot be overstated. Home to hundreds of millions, these areas are particularly vulnerable to changing climate conditions, drought, and heightened food insecurity. Notably, these regions are also emerging as critical sites for innovations in climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The collaboration between ICRISAT and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) exemplifies how sustained partnerships can effect substantial growth in agricultural resilience. ICRISAT has brought over five decades of research experience, particularly in the drylands of Asia and Africa, while ICAR has played a pivotal role in India’s agricultural transformation, combining scientific expertise with a robust institutional framework.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, the Director General of ICRISAT, shared insights on the evolution of South-South cooperation, illustrating a shift from mere knowledge sharing to creating practical pathways that would facilitate the rapid adaptation and implementation of innovative solutions. He emphasized, "Rather than reinventing solutions for every country, ISSCA connects existing innovations with institutions and partners prepared to adapt and scale them efficiently."

Furthermore, Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary of DARE and ICAR's Director General, indicated that the future of global agriculture depends heavily on nations and institutions collaborating beyond their borders. He stated how this commitment will shape agricultural futures influenced by shared knowledge and partnerships aimed at translating scientific discoveries into actionable solutions for farmers.

The commemoration concluded with the unveiling of the Delhi Declaration on Drylands, which articulates a collective vision to enhance South-South cooperation. This declaration emphasizes the importance of accelerating the acceptance and scaling of proven innovations and fostering institutional collaboration to transform drylands into landscapes characterized by resilience, opportunity, and sustainable development.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and food insecurity, the commitment demonstrated at this Congress showcases a proactive stance in the agricultural sector. By prioritizing collaboration and innovation, we can pave the way for a more sustainable agricultural future in vulnerable regions of the Global South.