On 8th September at ICAR, New Delhi, agricultural leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered for the World Food Prize Foundation’s Dialogue Next, under the theme “Take it to the Farmer.” Among the most compelling voices of the day was Mr. Bram Govaerts, 2014 World Food Prize Foundation Borlaug Field Award recipient, Director General of CIMMYT, and Director General of the Borlaug Institute for South Asia.
Setting the tone for the dialogue, Govaerts reflected on India’s historic and future role in agricultural transformation. “I cannot think of a more fitting and inspiring moment to set the tone for this Dialogue Next. The very heart of India can once again become the epicenter of an agricultural, technological, and social revolution—one worthy of the legacy we are all, consciously or unconsciously, carrying forward,” he remarked.
Govaerts underlined that India’s impact transcends its borders. “The seeds of the Green Revolution did not stop at India’s borders. They spread to Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and many other countries, strengthening food security across the subcontinent.” Acknowledging the regional presence, he welcomed dignitaries from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, reinforcing South Asia’s shared destiny in food security.
With South Asia home to over 2 billion people and the largest consumer of rice and wheat globally, Govaerts emphasised that food security here is not just a regional necessity but a global one. “As one of the world’s leading economies, India has a critical role to play in ensuring food security and prosperity, both in South Asia and beyond.”
Drawing on his recent participation at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal, Govaerts connected India’s challenges with those faced across continents. “The conversations were about the common threats we all face: climate change, water scarcity, heat waves, and malnutrition. These are no different from the struggles of farmers here in India. Yet, the message was not one of despair. It was about the energy and determination of Africa’s youth, the innovation of women farmers, and the creativity of young entrepreneurs. That same energy is present here in India—alive, vibrant, and ready to transform challenges into opportunities.”
He reminded the audience that just as Mexico and India tapped into urgency and opportunity more than 80 years ago to spark the Green Revolution, today’s collaboration and innovation could drive another wave of transformation, not only for South Asia but also for Africa, through South-South cooperation.
Govaerts highlighted the importance of institutions in this mission: “That is why institutions like the World Food Prize, ICAR, CIMMYT, and BISA are so important. Together, we can take South-South collaboration to the next level.”
Reflecting on the strength of long-standing partnerships, he noted:
“India ranks second worldwide in the production of rice, wheat, cotton, fruits, and vegetables.”
“Its agricultural exports exceed USD 4.6 billion.”
“90% of spring wheat varieties released in South Asia in the last three decades trace their roots to ICAR–CIMMYT collaboration.”
“Six of the top 10 wheat varieties in India come from our shared germplasm and research.”
Such achievements, he stressed, demonstrate the “strength of true partnership.”
Govaerts also shared the story of UG99, a wheat rust disease discovered in Uganda in 1999. Much like Borlaug’s early battles with rust, scientists mobilised globally to identify resistant varieties and safeguard wheat production. “Few people have even heard of UG99—precisely because the global partnership, with India at its core, stopped it before it became a crisis here,” he said. This effort also inspired the creation of a global wheat disease surveillance system across 40 countries. Yet, he cautioned, “this system is under threat due to funding challenges.”
He issued a call to rethink how the world values and invests in agricultural research: “For decades, the world has relied on institutions like ICAR, CIMMYT, and BISA as a kind of business continuity insurance for food security. But insurance must be invested in. If we are to respond to the next UG99—or the next climate-driven crisis—we must rethink how we fund and sustain this work.”
Drawing inspiration from the pioneers of the Green Revolution, he added: “Sixty years ago, Borlaug and Swaminathan asked these hard questions, had the courage to act, and changed the world. Today, we must be equally bold.”
Linking legacy to the future, Govaerts connected this vision to India’s goal of Viksit Bharat 2047: “By investing in agriculture, R&D, and global partnerships, India can lead the next agricultural transformation—anchoring peace, prosperity, and food security as the essence of the One World Vision.”
Concluding on a hopeful note, he reaffirmed CIMMYT and BISA’s commitment: “The commitment of farmers, combined with public and private sector investment, can create not just one movement, but a united global movement. As Director General of CIMMYT and BISA, I reaffirm our commitment to this mission: to safeguard the future of farms, the future of farmers, and ultimately, the future of us all.”
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