New Delhi: Indian student Amina Nasreen A. S. won a US$500 cash award at the Global Youth Institute (GYI) held alongside the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, USA. Meanwhile, NAAS showcased India’s agricultural research achievements and fostered international collaboration.
The World Food Prize Foundation organized a dialogue from October 20 to 22 under the theme “Before Hunger Wins,” bringing together relevant stakeholders to discuss global food security and sustainable agriculture.
Amina was among the seven Indian high school students selected through the NAAS-YUVA initiative to participate in the GYI program. These students presented their research papers on global food-security challenges and engaged in discussions with international peers on the topic of sustainable agri-food systems.
NAAS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US-based Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) to promote agricultural research, education, and the exchange of scientific knowledge. This will foster joint educational programs, publications, and international scientific collaboration.
NAAS organized a round-table discussion on higher agricultural education, which focused on global partnerships and the role of Indian agricultural experts in strengthening agricultural education.
At its exhibition booth, NAAS showcased India’s agricultural research achievements through publications from the Academy and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Addressing the meeting virtually, Dr. M. L. Jat, President of NAAS, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General of ICAR, called for a shift from production-focused agriculture towards integrated agri-food systems and value chains.
He stressed the importance of stronger industry-academia partnerships, international knowledge exchange and skills development to prepare future professionals for challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resource degradation and rising demand for nutritious food.
NAAS reiterated its commitment to nurturing young talent, advancing agricultural research and education, and strengthening international partnerships to promote sustainable agriculture and global food security—particularly within the context of the ‘Global South’ (developing countries).
(PIB)
