The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in agricultural science, research, and policy development. The announcement was made during an interactive meet held in New Delhi to felicitate two eminent leaders—Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, and Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, ICAR.
The MoU aims to foster greater synergy between research institutions and create evidence-based frameworks that can guide policy innovation across India’s agricultural sector.
Call for Evidence-Driven Action and Sustainable Livelihoods
Speaking at the event, Dr. M.L. Jat urged the agricultural community to unite under a common mission aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Amrit Kaal. He stressed the urgent need for science-backed policymaking to enhance sustainable livelihoods and improve farmer welfare.
“We must study emerging agricultural demands within the context of global megatrends. Strengthening internal systems and aligning them with external capacities is critical for building a resilient agricultural ecosystem,” Dr. Jat said.
He also highlighted the challenges posed by India’s diverse agricultural landscape, calling for integrated and well-planned strategies to achieve inclusive growth and long-term sectoral resilience.
Advancing Agricultural Research and Innovation
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Himanshu Pathak emphasized the transformative role of scientific thinking in societal development. Reflecting on the strong collaborations between CGIAR and NAAS, he expressed optimism that continued partnerships with organizations like ICAR, CGIAR, and the Special Innovation Team (SIT) would further strengthen India’s agricultural research ecosystem.
Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman of TAAS, pointed out that India’s agricultural challenges today span food security, nutritional security, and environmental sustainability. He advocated for urgent action in climate change mitigation, regenerative agriculture, and turning grey zones into green spaces to ensure future resilience.
The event also featured contributions from leading experts such as Dr. P.K. Joshi, Dr. Ashok K. Singh, and Dr. W.S. Lakra, all reaffirming the importance of continuous collaboration, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.
Reaffirming Commitment to Farmer-Centric Growth
The session concluded with a collective pledge to strengthen research, drive evidence-based policy reforms, and promote inclusive growth models that prioritize farmers’ prosperity.
As India navigates evolving global agricultural demands, initiatives like this collaboration between NAAS and TAAS are poised to ensure that small and medium farmers are not only included but placed at the center of the nation’s agricultural transformation.