Here’s a startling fact: over 2.1 billion people worldwide call the drylands home, yet these regions are among the most vulnerable to climate change, poverty, and food insecurity. But what if we could turn these arid landscapes into thriving hubs of opportunity? The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is taking a bold step to make this vision a reality. They’ve announced a groundbreaking international conference set for September 10–12, 2026, at their headquarters in Patancheru, Telangana, India, focused on transforming dryland agriculture through South-South Cooperation. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about sharing knowledge—it’s about revolutionizing how we approach farming in some of the world’s toughest environments.
This conference isn’t your typical gathering. It’s a high-stakes meeting of minds, bringing together leaders from the Global South and beyond to tackle the pressing challenges of dryland food systems. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many focus on technological solutions, ICRISAT is doubling down on the power of collaboration and local innovation. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, ICRISAT’s Director General, emphasizes that the event will serve as a global stage to showcase innovations in crop improvement, seed systems, and next-generation farming techniques—all rooted in the spirit of South-South Cooperation. But is this approach enough to combat the escalating climate risks in drylands? That’s a question worth debating.
The timing of the conference is no coincidence. It aligns with the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation on September 12, highlighting the importance of peer-to-peer learning and shared innovation pathways across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific. Dr. Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General for Research and Innovation, points out that the goal is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and practical solutions for smallholder farmers. From functional genomics to farmer-ready seed delivery, the conference promises to spotlight innovations that truly make a difference. But will these solutions reach the farmers who need them most? That’s a challenge the conference aims to address.
The agenda is packed with critical topics, including climate change’s impact on food security, the future of dryland cropping systems, and the role of frontier technologies like genomic predictions and gene editing. And this is the part most people miss: there’s a strong focus on engaging youth in the agrifood ecosystem, recognizing that the next generation will play a pivotal role in sustaining these efforts. But how do we ensure young people see agriculture as a viable and exciting career path? That’s a question the conference hopes to spark conversations about.
ICRISAT’s track record speaks for itself. They’ve pioneered breakthroughs like the world’s first commercial pigeonpea hybrid and Africa’s first biofortified pearl millet, enhancing food security and showcasing the Global South’s scientific leadership. Their Center of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA), launched in 2025, serves as a digital hub for validated innovations, fostering partnerships and scaling low-cost, high-impact technologies. But is this enough to address the scale of the challenge? Critics argue that more investment and political will are needed.
The conference builds on ICRISAT’s recent initiatives, including a high-level webinar in 2025 that drew over 1,000 participants globally. Dr. Pathak stressed that agricultural transformation isn’t just about scientific output—it’s about how knowledge is shared and inspiration is spread. But here’s where it gets controversial: while South-South Cooperation is celebrated, some argue that it’s not enough without stronger North-South partnerships and funding. What do you think? Is the Global South capable of leading its own agricultural revolution, or does it need more external support?
Drylands cover 41% of the Earth’s surface, and their transformation is critical not just for food security but for global stability. The World Bank warns that climate change could force up to 216 million people to migrate within their countries by 2050, mostly in Africa and South Asia. Investing in resilient food systems in the Global South is no longer optional—it’s imperative. ICRISAT’s work, from watershed interventions in India’s Bundelkhand region to climate-resilient seed systems in Niger, demonstrates what’s possible when science and collaboration come together.
The September 2026 conference is your chance to be part of this movement. Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, farmer, or youth leader, your voice matters. But here’s the question we leave you with: Can we truly transform dryland agriculture through South-South Cooperation alone, or do we need a more inclusive, global approach? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s start a conversation that could shape the future of farming in the world’s most vulnerable regions.
