Indian Student Wins Global Youth Institute Award at World Food Symposium
The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), New Delhi, showcased India’s agricultural research excellence at the prestigious World Food Prize Foundation (WFPF) event entitled “2026 Norman E Borlaug International Dialogue” with a theme “Before Hunger Wins”, held from October 20-22, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
The Academy’s participation featured a dedicated exhibition booth showcasing prominent publications of NAAS and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), participation of young Indian students at the Global Youth Institute (GYI), a special roundtable on Agricultural Higher Education, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NAAS and the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), USA.
Seven high school students from different parts of India, selected through the NAAS-YUVA selection drive, participated in the GYI programme of WFPF, where they presented their global research papers addressing critical food-security challenges. Their participation provided an opportunity to engage with international peers and exchange perspectives on food security and sustainable agri-food systems. In a proud moment for the Academy, Ms. Ameena Nazreen A S won GYI Award of US$500 cash prize, bringing recognition to NAAS, India and showcasing the potential of India’s young talent on a prestigious global platform.
Earlier, a special roundtable on “Agricultural Higher Education”, organised alongside the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, brought the Indian agricultural diaspora into discussion on transforming agricultural education through global partnerships. Addressing the meeting virtually, Dr. M.L. Jat, President, NAAS, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Director General, ICAR, called for reimagining agricultural higher education to prepare future professionals to address global challenges, including climate change, natural resource degradation, biodiversity loss and the growing demand for nutritious and healthy food. (UPDATED ON 23RD OCTOBER 2026)
