Why in News
The Dryland Congress 2026 concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Dryland, also styled the 3D. The Congress ran from 10 to 12 September 2026 at the National Agricultural Science Complex, New Delhi.
Core facts
The Congress was organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). It gathered over 800 experts from Asia, Africa and the Americas. The event marked 50 years of the ICAR and ICRISAT partnership. It deliberated on six themes: breeding, climate resilience, nutrition and markets, farming systems, seed systems, and gender and youth inclusion. Drylands span about 45% of the world’s land surface and support over two billion people.
Static Context
ICRISAT is a research centre headquartered at Hyderabad, working on crops of the semi arid tropics such as sorghum, pearl millet, chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut. ICAR is the apex body for coordinating agricultural research and education in India, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Dryland and rainfed farming is supported through the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) programme under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which promotes Integrated Farming Systems (IFS). Land degradation in drylands connects to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Prelims angle
Distinguish ICAR (Indian apex research body) from ICRISAT (international centre at Hyderabad). Link RAD and IFS to the NMSA. Associate desertification with the UNCCD. Know the semi arid tropic crops.
Mains angle
GS3, agriculture and cropping systems. Frame dryland and rainfed agriculture as central to crop diversification, climate resilience and farmer incomes, and the value of cooperation among developing countries in seed and breeding research.
Matching Previous Year Question
“[2026] Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)?
1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas
2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions
3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer: (d)”
“[2021, GS3, 15 marks] What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?”
PIB Link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2309628®=3&lang=1
