Global agronomists to showcase sustainable innovations at IAC–2025 in New Delhi
The Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC–2025), recognised as the world’s largest gathering of agronomists and agricultural experts, is set to take place from November 24 to 26, 2025, at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC) in New Delhi. Organised by the Indian Society of Agronomy (ISA) with collaboration from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), this three-day event aims to address the evolving challenges of modern agriculture through a global platform for scientific exchange and innovation.
The congress, themed ‘Re-envisioning Agronomy for Smart Agro-Food Systems and Environmental Protection,’ underscores an urgent need to develop agricultural systems that are productive, sustainable, climate-smart, and nutrition-secure. The programme will convene more than 1,000 delegates from across the world, including international experts from organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC). Key participants will also include Vice Chancellors of agricultural universities, ICAR Deputy Directors General, industry representatives, and leading agri-business innovators.
The event will feature a comprehensive agenda comprising plenary sessions, thematic symposia, lead lectures, poster presentations, exhibitions, and a dedicated conference for young scientists and students. Dr Mina Devkota, Senior Agronomist at ICARDA, is slated to deliver a keynote address focused on leveraging data-driven agronomy to close yield gaps and achieve sustainable gains, highlighting the rising role of digital agriculture systems.
Discussions and presentations will centre around pressing themes such as carbon-neutral agriculture, eco-nutrition, regenerative practices, digital agriculture systems, farmer-led innovation ecosystems, and advancements in agricultural education programmes. This aligns with broader global efforts to ensure the transition to climate-resilient agro-food systems that reduce environmental footprint while boosting productivity.
Significant government initiatives will be showcased, reflecting India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. These include the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), Soil Health Card Scheme, the PM–PRANAM (Mother Earth Programme), Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM), National Mission on Natural Farming, and the PM-Kisan scheme. Dr M.L. Jat, Director General of ICAR, emphasised the impact of improved agronomic practices, noting a nearly 95% reduction in crop residue burning since 2020, which has contributed substantially to mitigating environmental hazards.
The congress will be inaugurated by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Other key dignitaries expected to attend include Minister of State Bhagirath Choudhary, Dr R.S. Paroda, Chairperson of the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) and former Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Dr Panjab Singh, former Secretary DARE and DG ICAR, Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of Agriculture, Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary DARE and DG ICAR, and Dr C.H. Srinivasa Rao, Director of ICAR–IARI.
Established in 1955, the Indian Society of Agronomy is one of India’s oldest and most influential scientific organisations devoted to advancing research, education, and extension in agronomy. The Society also publishes the Indian Journal of Agronomy and regularly hosts conferences to promote dialogue and innovation within the agricultural community.
By facilitating such a convergence of global expertise and diverse stakeholders, the IAC–2025 is poised to foster collaboration and innovation essential for the future of sustainable agriculture, equipping agronomists, policymakers, and practitioners to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, resource limitations, and food security.