The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), New Delhi, highlighted India’s agricultural research achievements at the World Food Prize Foundation’s 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, held from October 20 to 22 in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. The event, themed “Before Hunger Wins”, brought together opportunities for international engagement on agricultural research, food security and sustainable agri-food systems.
India’s participation included an exhibition showcasing publications from NAAS and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the involvement of young Indian students in the Global Youth Institute (GYI), a roundtable discussion on agricultural higher education and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NAAS and the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), USA.
A key highlight was the recognition of Ameena Nazreen A S, who received a Global Youth Institute award carrying a cash prize of US$500. She was among seven high school students from different parts of India selected through the NAAS-YUVA selection drive to participate in the international programme.
The students presented research papers addressing global food-security challenges, gaining opportunities to exchange ideas with international peers and discuss sustainable approaches to agriculture and food systems.
Indian Students Present Research on Global Food Security
Seven Indian high school students participated in the Global Youth Institute programme during the World Food Prize Foundation event. Selected through the NAAS-YUVA selection drive, they presented research papers focused on pressing food-security challenges.
Their participation offered a platform to engage with students from other countries, exchange perspectives and explore issues affecting sustainable agri-food systems. Ameena Nazreen A S’s award brought recognition to the student, NAAS and India, highlighting the contribution of young Indian talent to international discussions on food security.
Beyond the student programme, NAAS established an exhibition booth featuring publications from the Academy and ICAR. The display aimed to bring Indian agricultural research, scientific knowledge and policy perspectives to an international audience of researchers, academics, policymakers and other stakeholders.
The Academy’s participation reflected an effort to strengthen the international visibility of India’s agricultural research and encourage collaboration with scientific and educational institutions abroad.
NAAS Calls for Global Partnerships in Agricultural Education
A special roundtable on agricultural higher education was organised alongside the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue. The discussion brought members of the Indian agricultural diaspora together to explore how international partnerships could help transform agricultural education and prepare professionals for emerging global challenges.
Addressing the meeting virtually, Dr. M. L. Jat, President of NAAS, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General of ICAR, called for a renewed approach to agricultural higher education.
He highlighted challenges including climate change, natural resource degradation, biodiversity loss and the growing demand for nutritious and healthy food. According to the announcement, he emphasised the need to move beyond production-centric agriculture towards an integrated agri-food systems and value-chain approach.
Dr. Jat also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between academic institutions and industry, international knowledge exchange and engagement with the Indian agricultural diaspora. These efforts, he said, can help develop industry-ready professionals while strengthening agricultural research and education.
He further highlighted NAAS’s role in encouraging policy dialogue and bringing researchers, policymakers, academic institutions and industry representatives together to address emerging challenges in agricultural research and development.
NAAS and CAST Sign Agreement to Strengthen Cooperation
Another key development was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NAAS and the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology in the United States.
The agreement aims to create new opportunities for cooperation in agricultural research, capacity development and knowledge exchange. It is expected to strengthen institutional relationships and facilitate international scientific collaboration.
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Sridhar P