Six-day global agricultural research event scheduled for April 12–17, 2027, will bring together scientists, farmers, governments, startups and businesses to discuss food security, climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems

Key Highlights:

• New Delhi will host CGIAR Science and Partnership Week 2027 from April 12 to 17, 2027.
• More than 5,000 delegates are expected to participate in the international event.
• Organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and CGIAR.
• Ten CGIAR research centres currently work in India across crops, water, livestock, fisheries, nutrition and policy.
• Focus areas include climate-resilient agriculture, digital farming, AgriStack, water management, soil health and agricultural mechanisation.
• India will promote South-South cooperation and share agricultural innovations with countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
• Discussions will explore opportunities for startups, public-private partnerships and youth and women’s participation in agriculture.

New Delhi to Host Global Agricultural Research Summit in April 2027

India will host the CGIAR Science and Partnership Week 2027 in New Delhi from April 12 to 17, bringing together international agricultural researchers, farmers, government representatives, startups and businesses to discuss innovations shaping global food systems.

The event was announced on October 30, 2026, by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and CGIAR. It will be organised by ICAR under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, in collaboration with CGIAR.

More than 5,000 delegates are expected to participate, making the event an important international platform for agricultural research, technology exchange and global partnerships.

The six-day programme will showcase India’s agricultural transformation and explore how scientific innovations can reach more farmers while addressing emerging challenges in food production, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.

India–CGIAR Partnership Spans More Than Five Decades

Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between India and CGIAR, which has supported agricultural research and development in the country for more than 50 years.

CGIAR is an international agricultural research partnership comprising 15 research centres operating across more than 100 countries. Ten CGIAR research centres currently work in India, focusing on areas including crops, water management, livestock, fisheries, nutrition and agricultural policy.

Dr. Jat noted that international research partnerships, particularly with institutions such as CIMMYT, IRRI and ICRISAT, contributed to India’s agricultural transformation following the Green Revolution.

The collaboration has supported developments in crop improvement, natural resource management, food security and agricultural productivity, helping India evolve from a food-deficit nation into a major food-producing and exporting country.

India to Promote Agricultural Innovation and South-South Cooperation

A major focus of the 2027 event will be strengthening South-South cooperation by sharing India’s agricultural innovations with developing countries, particularly in Africa.

Dr. Jat highlighted several areas where India’s experience could contribute to international agricultural development, including:

• Climate-resilient agriculture.
• Digital agriculture and AgriStack.
• Agricultural mechanisation.
• Millet cultivation and promotion.
• Natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Water management and soil health.

India’s agricultural research and innovation are already contributing internationally. One example highlighted in the announcement is an Indian groundnut sample conserved and shared by ICRISAT, which contributed to varieties now cultivated in Malawi, Uganda, Mozambique and Zambia.

Hyderabad’s Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture is also facilitating the exchange of proven agricultural innovations across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

CGIAR Highlights Global Research Partnerships and Food Security

Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, described the India edition as an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding India–CGIAR partnership and develop a forward-looking research agenda for the next 50 years.

She highlighted India’s experience in demonstrating how national agricultural science can deliver results at scale, with Indian seeds and agricultural knowledge already benefiting farming communities across Africa and Asia.

The event will build on the first CGIAR Science Week, held in Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2025, and focus on translating scientific research into practical outcomes through stronger international partnerships.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, also highlighted the role of science, technology and international cooperation in India’s journey from food scarcity to becoming a major agricultural producer and exporter.

Key Discussion Areas: Climate Resilience, Startups and Sustainable Food Systems

The New Delhi edition will explore emerging priorities across the agricultural and agri-food value chain.

Major discussion areas will include:

• Climate-resilient agricultural technologies.
• Sustainable water and natural resource management.
• Soil health and agricultural productivity.
• Public-private partnerships in agricultural research.
• Startups and innovation-driven agricultural businesses.
• Greater participation of women and young people in agriculture.
• Communication of agricultural science through media.
• Strengthening global food systems and South-South cooperation.

The programme will also examine how agricultural research and innovation can contribute to India’s development vision for 2047.

Impact on Hospitality, Food Processing and Travel & Tourism

The CGIAR Science and Partnership Week 2027 has significance beyond the agricultural research sector, particularly for India’s food processing, hospitality, beverage and tourism industries.

1. Opportunities for Food Processing and Agribusiness

Research in crop improvement, climate resilience and agricultural productivity can support the long-term availability of agricultural raw materials for food processing companies. Stronger research-industry partnerships could also encourage innovation in value-added food products.

2. Sustainable Sourcing for Hotels and Restaurants

Advances in soil health, water management and climate-resilient farming could contribute to more sustainable food production. Over time, these developments may support hotels, restaurants and institutional catering businesses seeking reliable agricultural sourcing networks.

3. Food Security and Beverage Industry

Research into millets, crop diversification and climate-resilient agriculture could create opportunities for food and beverage businesses to explore alternative ingredients, regional food products and millet-based menus.

4. Business and MICE Tourism Opportunities

With more than 5,000 delegates expected from international research institutions, governments, businesses and startups, the six-day event could generate demand for accommodation, conference facilities, business travel, local transportation and hospitality services in New Delhi.

The gathering also presents an opportunity to showcase India’s conference infrastructure, business hotels, food services and destination offerings to international participants.

5. International Collaboration and Agri-Food Investment

The event’s focus on public-private partnerships and agricultural startups could encourage interactions between research institutions, investors, food processors and agribusiness companies. Such connections may create opportunities across agricultural technology, food supply chains and hospitality procurement.

Positioning India as a Global Agricultural Research and Innovation Hub

CGIAR Science and Partnership Week 2027 will provide India with an international platform to showcase its agricultural research capabilities, strengthen scientific partnerships and share innovations with the Global South.

By bringing together more than 5,000 expected participants from research, government, farming and business communities, the event aims to connect agricultural science with practical solutions for future food systems.

For India’s hospitality and tourism industry, the international gathering also represents an opportunity to benefit from business travel, MICE-related demand and greater global engagement with the country’s agricultural and food innovation ecosystem.

The detailed programme and speaker list are expected to be announced in the coming months.