NAAS and TAAS sign MoU to enhance collaboration in agricultural science and research

New Delhi: The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) jointly organized an interactive meet and felicitation ceremony to honour two eminent agricultural scientists — Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, and Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) & Director General, ICAR—on their appointments to prestigious leadership roles in their respective institutions, in New Delhi.

A significant highlight of the programme was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TAAS and NAAS, aimed at enhancing collaborative initiatives in agricultural science, research, and policy development.

During the event, Dr. M.L. Jat emphasized the urgent need for science and evidence-based policymaking in agriculture and bringing smile on their faces, while also underscoring the importance of creating sustainable livelihoods for farmers. It is a time for common collaborative mission to bring smiles in famers face and align our goals to our nation’s goals, he added.

“We must study emerging agricultural demands in the context of global megatrends. Strengthening both internal systems and external capacities, and ensuring their synergy, is key to building a resilient agricultural ecosystem,” he stated. He further highlighted the challenges arising from the diversity of Indian agriculture and the necessity for well-planned, integrated approaches to address them.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak spoke on the critical role of science in societal transformation. He emphasized that every society must adopt and promote scientific thinking, and acknowledged the past successes of collaborative efforts between the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and NAAS. He expressed optimism that continued partnershipsparticularly between ICAR, CGIAR, and the Special Innovation Team (SIT)would further strengthen agricultural research and innovation in India.

Dr RS Paroda, Chairman, TAAS, stated that our agricultural challenges encompass national food security, nutritional security, and environmental sustainability. These can be addressed by mitigating climate change, transforming grey areas into green spaces, and promoting regenerative agriculture, he added.

The ceremony also featured addresses from leading agricultural experts and dignitaries, including Dr. P.K. Joshi; Dr. Ashok K. Singh; and Dr. W.S. Lakra, who emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration to address future challenges in Indian agriculture.

The event concluded with a collective reaffirmation of commitment to innovation, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector.