International Agriculture Science and Partnership Week to be held in New Delhi in April 2027

India is set to host the 'CGIAR Science and Partnership Week' in New Delhi in the month of April 2027. This global event will be held from April 12 to 17, 2027. This event has been organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and CGIAR. ICAR is a part of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

Researchers, farmers, governments, startups, and representatives of various businesses from around the world will gather in New Delhi for this event. During this week, current innovations reaching farmers will be discussed, and necessary operational reviews will be conducted on how to deliver this technology to the maximum number of people.

India is considered a natural host for this event because ICAR leads one of the largest national agricultural research systems in the world. ICAR scientists have been working alongside CGIAR for over 50 years. Currently, ten CGIAR research centers are operating in India, working on crops, water, livestock, fish, nutrition, and policy-related sectors.

India's agricultural science is making an impact even beyond its borders. An Indian groundnut sample preserved and shared by ICRISAT has today proved helpful in varieties grown in Malawi, Uganda, Mozambique, and Zambia. In addition, the Hyderabad-based 'Center of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture' works to share proven agricultural innovations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, stated that the long-standing partnership between India and CGIAR has played an important role in strengthening agricultural research and development in the country. He added that CGIAR is an international partnership comprising 15 research centers operating in over 100 countries, which has made a major contribution to global agricultural progress. Its collaboration with India has led to significant developments in crop improvement, natural resource management, food security, and agricultural productivity.

Recalling India's agricultural transformation after the Green Revolution, Dr. Jat said that collaboration with international organizations like CIMMYT, IRRI, and ICRISAT has strengthened India's food production capacity. India, which was once a food-deficient and import-dependent country, has today emerged as a major food-producing and exporting nation. He further stated that the 2027 event will provide an important platform for the exchange of scientific knowledge, technology, and best practices.

Dr. Jat further clarified that India's priority will be to promote South-South Cooperation and share its successful agricultural innovations with the Global South, especially African countries. He outlined climate-resilient agriculture, digital agriculture, AgriStack, agricultural mechanization, millets, natural farming, and sustainable agricultural practices as key areas for international collaboration. This event will discuss subjects such as climate resilience, water management, soil health, public-private partnerships, startups, the participation of youth and women, and the role of media in the communication of agricultural science.

Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, stated that this event will celebrate the achievements of long-term partnership along with preparing a future-looking agenda for the next 50 years of agricultural collaboration. She said that India has shown what strong national science can achieve at a broad level. India's seeds and knowledge are already helping farmers in Asia and Africa. Through this event to be held in April, it will be deliberated together on where more work can be done through science.

She emphasized appreciating the contributions of scientists in human welfare and strengthening food systems. Citing the first successful edition held in Nairobi, Kenya in April 2025, she expressed confidence that this Indian edition will further strengthen global partnerships.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, stated that India's journey from a food-deficient country to a major producing and exporting nation demonstrates the power of science, technology, and international partnerships. He added that through this event, the objective is to showcase India's achievements and find solutions to the challenges of agriculture and food systems by learning from global progress.

It is noteworthy that the first CGIAR Science Week was held in Nairobi, Kenya in April 2025. This edition to be held in New Delhi will focus on how to move from science to impact and how to enhance South-South cooperation through partnerships. In addition, it will examine how agricultural research and innovation can contribute to India's vision for 2047. Details of the event and speakers will be announced in the coming months.