The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) organized a special meet and felicitation ceremony in New Delhi to honour two distinguished scientists—Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, and Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR.
The event celebrated their recent appointments to top leadership roles in India’s agricultural research institutions. A key moment of the gathering was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NAAS and TAAS, aimed at boosting cooperation in agricultural science, research, and policy formulation.
Dr. M.L. Jat highlighted the need for science-driven policies and called on the agricultural community to unite in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Amrit Kaal. He stressed the importance of making farmers' lives better and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. According to him, understanding global agricultural trends and building strong internal and external systems are essential to creating a resilient farming sector in India. He also noted that India’s agricultural diversity brings challenges that must be addressed with well-coordinated, integrated strategies.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak emphasized the powerful role science plays in shaping society. He encouraged the adoption of scientific thinking and praised the fruitful partnerships between organizations like CGIAR and NAAS. He expressed hope that continued collaboration with bodies like ICAR, CGIAR, and the Special Innovation Team (SIT) will drive future advancements in agricultural research and innovation.
Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman of TAAS, pointed out that India’s agriculture sector faces pressing concerns related to food security, nutrition, and environmental balance. He advocated for regenerative farming, turning barren areas into productive land, and tackling climate change through innovative practices.
The event also featured insights from experts such as Dr. P.K. Joshi, Dr. Ashok K. Singh, and Dr. W.S. Lakra. They echoed the need for ongoing collaboration to overcome challenges and strengthen India’s agricultural sector. The ceremony concluded with a strong commitment from all participants to promote innovation, evidence-based policies, and inclusive growth in agriculture.
