CGIAR and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) today announced that New Delhi will host CGIAR Science and Partnership Week from 12th to 17th April 2027. The event is organized by ICAR, of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, and CGIAR.
The week will bring researchers, farmers, governments, startups and businesses from around the world to New Delhi. Together, they will look at the innovations already reaching farmers and where more work is needed to reach many more.
India is a natural host. ICAR leads one of the world’s largest national agricultural research systems, and its scientists have worked with CGIAR for more than 50 years. Ten CGIAR research centers now work in India, on crops, water, livestock, fish, nutrition, and policy.
India’s agricultural science also reaches well beyond its borders. A groundnut sample from India, conserved and shared by ICRISAT, contributed to varieties now grown in Malawi, Uganda, Mozambique, and Zambia. Hyderabad’s Center of Excellence for South–South Cooperation in Agriculture shares proven farming innovations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR highlighted the longstanding partnership between India and CGIAR, which has played a significant role in strengthening agricultural research and development in the country for over five decades.
He noted that CGIAR, an international agricultural research partnership comprising 15 research centres working across more than 100 countries, has contributed significantly to global agricultural advancement. Its collaboration with India, particularly through ICAR, has supported important developments in crop improvement, natural resource management, food security and agricultural productivity
Referring to India's agricultural transformation since the Green Revolution, Dr. Jat highlighted how collaboration with international research institutions, including CIMMYT, IRRI and ICRISAT, contributed to strengthening India's food production capabilities. From a food-deficit nation dependent on imports, India has emerged as a major food-producing and exporting country.
He emphasised that the CGIAR Science and Partnership Week 2027 will provide an important platform to strengthen international cooperation and facilitate the exchange of scientific knowledge, technologies and best practices.
Dr. Jat stated that India's priority would be to promote South-South cooperation and share its successful agricultural innovations with the Global South, particularly African countries. He highlighted India's progress in climate-resilient agriculture, digital agriculture and AgriStack, agricultural mechanisation, millets, natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices as areas offering considerable opportunities for international collaboration.
He further noted that the event would deliberate on emerging priorities across the agri-food value chain, including climate resilience, water management, soil health, public-private partnerships, startups, youth and women's participation, and the role of media in communicating agricultural science and innovations.
Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR, emphasised that the upcoming event would celebrate the achievements of this longstanding partnership while developing a forward-looking agenda for the next 50 years of agricultural cooperation. She highlighted that India has shown what strong national science can achieve at scale. Seed and knowledge from India already help farmers in Africa and Asia. In April, we want to build on that exchange and consider together where science can do more, she added.
She also underscored the importance of recognising the contribution of science and scientists in improving human well-being and strengthening food systems. Referring to the successful first edition held in Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2025, she expressed confidence that the India edition would further strengthen global partnerships and bring together stakeholders to develop solutions for emerging agricultural challenges.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT says “India's agricultural journey from a food-deficit nation to a major food-producing and exporting country reflects the transformative power of science, technology and international partnerships. Through CGIAR Science and Partnership Week 2027, we aim to showcase India's agricultural achievements, share our innovations with the world and learn from global advancements to co-create solutions for the emerging challenges of agriculture and food systems.”
The first CGIAR Science Week took place in Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2025, where CGIAR launched its current research portfolio. The New Delhi edition will focus on how we move from science to impact and how partnership can advance South–South cooperation. It will also explore how agricultural research and innovation can contribute to India’s vision for 2047.
The program and speakers will be announced in the coming months.