The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, October 23, 2026: India’s agricultural research community received international recognition at the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, as a young Indian student won an award at the Global Youth Institute and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) strengthened its global partnerships.
Held from October 20 to 22 under the theme “Before Hunger Wins”, the event was organised by the World Food Prize Foundation and brought together stakeholders working on global food security and agricultural development.
A major highlight for India was the achievement of Ameena Nazreen A S, who received a US$500 cash award at the Global Youth Institute. She was among seven high school students from different parts of India selected through the NAAS-YUVA initiative to participate in the programme. The students presented research papers examining pressing food-security challenges and engaged with international peers on sustainable agricultural systems.
Their participation offered young Indian researchers an opportunity to exchange ideas and gain exposure to global approaches to improving food production, nutrition and agricultural sustainability.
NAAS also used the international platform to present India’s scientific and research contributions through an exhibition featuring publications from the Academy and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The display introduced international researchers, policymakers, academics and other participants to Indian research findings and policy perspectives in agriculture.
NAAS, CAST sign agreement to boost collaboration
In a significant step towards expanding international scientific cooperation, NAAS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), USA. The agreement aims to promote collaboration in agricultural research, capacity building and knowledge exchange, while creating opportunities for stronger institutional ties between the two organisations.
The event also featured a roundtable discussion on agricultural higher education, bringing members of the Indian agricultural diaspora into discussions on the future of agricultural education and research.
Addressing the meeting virtually, M. L. Jat, President of NAAS, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General of ICAR, called for a broader approach to preparing agricultural professionals for emerging global challenges.
He stressed that agricultural education must respond to issues such as climate change, natural resource degradation, biodiversity loss and rising demand for nutritious food. He also highlighted the need to move beyond a production-focused model towards integrated agri-food systems and value chains.
Jat emphasised stronger partnerships between universities and industry, international knowledge sharing and closer engagement with the Indian agricultural diaspora. These efforts, he said, are important for developing skilled professionals equipped to meet changing industry requirements and for advancing agricultural research and education.
He also highlighted the role of NAAS in bringing together scientists, policymakers, academic institutions and industry representatives to address emerging priorities in agricultural research and development.
The Academy’s participation at the dialogue combined scientific outreach, youth engagement, academic discussions and institutional cooperation. The initiatives underline the importance of international partnerships and investment in young talent in developing sustainable agricultural solutions and strengthening global food security, particularly across countries of the Global South.
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