The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), New Delhi, showcased India’s agricultural research excellence at the prestigious World Food Prize Foundation (WFPF) event entitled “2026 Norman E Borlaug International Dialogue” with a theme “Before Hunger Wins”, held from October 20-22, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
The Academy’s participation featured a dedicated exhibition booth showcasing prominent publications of NAAS and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), participation of young Indian students at the Global Youth Institute (GYI), a special roundtable 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.
Seven high school students from different parts of India, selected through the NAAS-YUVA selection drive, participated in the GYI programme of WFPF, where they presented their global research papers addressing critical food-security challenges. Their participation provided an opportunity to engage with international peers and exchange perspectives on food security and sustainable agri-food systems. In a proud moment for the Academy, Ms. Ameena Nazreen A S won GYI Award of US$500 cash prize, bringing recognition to NAAS, India and showcasing the potential of India’s young talent on a prestigious global platform.
The NAAS exhibition booth attracted attention to India’s scientific contributions through a display of prominent publications of the Academy and ICAR. The initiative provided an international platform to share Indian agricultural research, scientific knowledge and policy perspectives with researchers, academicians, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Earlier, a special roundtable on “Agricultural Higher Education”, organised alongside the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, brought the Indian agricultural diaspora into discussion on transforming agricultural education through global partnerships. Addressing the meeting virtually, Dr. M.L. Jat, President, NAAS, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General, ICAR, called for reimagining agricultural higher education to prepare future professionals to address global challenges, including climate change, natural resource degradation, biodiversity loss and the growing demand for nutritious and healthy food.
In his address, Dr. Jat emphasized the need to move beyond production-centric agriculture towards an integrated agri-food systems and value-chain approach. He highlighted the importance of stronger academia–industry collaboration, international knowledge exchange and engagement with the Indian agricultural diaspora to develop industry-ready human resources and strengthen agricultural research and education. He also underscored the role of NAAS in promoting policy dialogue and bringing together researchers, policymakers, academic institutions and industry to address emerging challenges in agricultural research and development.
Another significant milestone was the signing of an MoU between NAAS and CAST, aimed at opening new avenues for cooperation in agricultural research, capacity development and knowledge exchange. The partnership is expected to strengthen institutional linkages and create opportunities for international scientific collaboration.
Congratulating the young participants and highlighting the importance of the Academy’s global engagement, Dr. Jat emphasized that nurturing young talent and strengthening international partnerships are essential to developing innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and global food security. He expressed confidence that such collaborative efforts would contribute to advancing agricultural research, education and extension, particularly in countries of the Global South.
Through its scientific outreach, youth engagement, academic dialogue and institutional partnerships, NAAS reaffirmed its commitment to showcasing India’s agricultural excellence and contributing to a resilient, sustainable and food-secure future.