ICAR to showcase innovations in crop improvement, gene editing and sustainable agriculture at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave in New Delhi from October 27–29

Key Highlights

• ESTIC-2026 dates: October 27–29, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
• ICAR’s role: Lead participation in the thematic session on “Agri-Tech, Food Systems and Nutrition” scheduled for October 29.
• Technology focus: Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, digital agriculture, advanced crop improvement, gene editing and sustainable farming systems.
• Industry collaboration: The conclave will bring together researchers, deep-tech startups, entrepreneurs, policymakers, industry leaders and funding agencies.
• Food-sector relevance: Discussions will explore how agricultural research and emerging technologies can contribute to stronger food systems and nutrition.

ICAR to Highlight Agri-Tech Innovation at ESTIC-2026

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will showcase advances in agricultural technology, food systems and nutrition at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC)-2026, scheduled from October 27 to 29 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Ahead of the conclave, ICAR organised a curtain-raiser and media interaction on October 15 at the ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI) in Karnal, Haryana. Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, was scheduled to address the event on ICAR’s role in ESTIC-2026.

The curtain-raiser’s media interaction focused on Agri-Tech, Food Systems and Nutrition, highlighting the growing role of scientific research and emerging technologies in agricultural development and food production.

Dedicated Session to Connect Agricultural Research with Emerging Technologies

ICAR is directly associated with one of ESTIC-2026’s 12 major thematic sessions, titled “Agri-Tech, Food Systems and Nutrition.” Scheduled for October 29, the session will be chaired by the DARE Secretary and ICAR Director General alongside the Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).

The programme will feature a keynote address, presentations from a deep-tech startup CEO, a woman entrepreneur and science and technology leaders, followed by a panel discussion. Scientists from institutions including ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), ICAR–National Institute for Plant Biotechnology and ICAR–National Rice Research Institute are also listed among the speakers.

ICAR will present innovations spanning AI, robotics, digital agriculture, advanced crop improvement, gene editing and sustainable agricultural systems. Its exhibition participation will further showcase developments under the agri-tech, food systems and nutrition theme.

ESTIC-2026 to Bring Research, Startups and Industry Together

Organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, ESTIC-2026 will serve as a platform for research, innovation and collaboration across critical science and technology sectors. The National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) is the organising partner.

The three-day conclave will bring together government departments, researchers, global experts, industries, policymakers, funding agencies, entrepreneurs and deep-tech startups. Its wider agenda is to showcase emerging technologies and strengthen collaboration in support of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Impact on Hospitality, Food Processing and Tourism

1. Potential for technology-led food supply chains

Advances in digital agriculture, AI and crop improvement could help strengthen farm productivity, crop monitoring and supply planning over time. For hotels, restaurants and institutional caterers, these developments may support more reliable sourcing of ingredients, although commercial benefits will depend on adoption and implementation.

2. Opportunities for food processing and product innovation

ICAR’s collaboration with MoFPI in the thematic session creates a platform to discuss how agricultural research can connect with food processing. Better crop varieties, sustainable production practices and emerging technologies could support future innovation in processed foods, ingredient development and value-added agricultural products.

3. Greater focus on nutrition and food systems

The session’s emphasis on nutrition offers relevance for food manufacturers, institutional foodservice operators and hospitality businesses responding to demand for nutritious and traceable food. Research-led developments may help inform future product development and procurement strategies.

4. Scope for agri-tourism and regional food experiences

Technology-driven improvements in agriculture could indirectly benefit rural tourism and farm-based visitor experiences by supporting more resilient agricultural communities and regional food production. These opportunities will depend on local infrastructure, market access and tourism development.

Industry Takeaway

ESTIC-2026 places agricultural research within a wider conversation about science, technology and innovation. For hospitality, foodservice and travel businesses, the key area to watch is how developments in digital agriculture, crop science and food processing translate into practical improvements in ingredient sourcing, nutrition, supply-chain resilience and regional food experiences. The conclave could help strengthen dialogue between research institutions, technology startups and food-sector stakeholders as India advances towards more technology-driven food systems.