While speaking on the occasion of XXIV Biennial Workshop of All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, Dr. Panjab Singh, Former DG, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, emphasised to focus on technology upscaling and ground level implementation of developed rainfed technologies through national programmes. The event was organised in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

He further emphasised the need for concerted research and development in dryland agriculture as further scope for irrigated agriculture is limited and future needs of food are expected majorly from rainfed agriculture in India.

Dr. Anil Kumar Singh, Vice Chancellor, RVSKVV, Gwalior, in his address, advocated for efficient harvesting of rainwater, its conservation and efficient utilisation, adaptation and mitigation to climate change and variability, soil carbon management with focused research in dryland agriculture.

Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), presented the objectives of the workshop and the refined agenda for rainfed agriculture research in India. He also elaborated the status of upscaling of rainfed technologies and future strategies.

The workshop reviewed the progress of rainfed network research across 22 All India Coordinated Research Project on Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA) centres achieved during 2012-14 and finalisation of technical programme for 2015-16.

More than 140 scientists from AICRPDA centres, CRIDA, RVSKVV & KVKs and progressive farmers participated in the workshop.