The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has outlined its contribution to the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, a national gathering of science ministries, research bodies and startups scheduled for late October. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare confirmed that ICAR will lead discussions and exhibitions on agricultural technology, food systems and nutrition at the event.
Key facts
- ESTIC 2026 will be held from 27 to 29 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- The conclave covers 12 thematic areas across science-related ministries and departments
- ICAR’s exhibition will feature 13 departmental stalls, 50 deep-tech startups and 10 departmental technologies
- ICAR developed 117 horticultural crop varieties in the previous year
- Green ammonia demonstrations are underway across 10,000 acres in six states
- Dr M L Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR, led the announcement
What ICAR will showcase
ICAR has identified nine core research areas for the conclave. These include genome editing and precision breeding, development of crop varieties with higher nutritional content, farming methods that withstand climate stress, pest management without heavy chemical use, expansion of fruit and vegetable cultivation, livestock disease prevention, fisheries and aquaculture, wise use of soil and water, and farm equipment that reduces manual labour.
Among recent scientific achievements to be displayed are two genome-edited rice varieties developed by ICAR and India’s first complete genetic map of pigeonpea. The institute has also created an African swine fever vaccine using cell-culture methods, alongside vaccines against lumpy skin disease in livestock.
Focus on soil science and digital farming
ICAR will highlight how artificial intelligence and soil science can improve farm productivity through better understanding of soil properties and resource-use efficiency. This “Soil Intelligence” approach aims to help farmers and planners make data-driven decisions about crop production and land management.
Nutritional crops and alternative fertiliser research
The conclave will feature ICAR’s work on crops bred to contain more vitamins and minerals, intended to improve nutrition across India. Separately, ICAR is researching green ammonia production, where hydrogen generated from solar energy could replace fossil fuels in making ammonia-based fertilisers. This research is being conducted across 10,000 acres in six states through partnership with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Livestock, fisheries and farming systems
ICAR has developed a kit to detect milk adulteration on-site, addressing food safety concerns. The council is also exploring shrimp farming in salt-affected areas to make better use of land unsuitable for conventional crops. Work on cotton-harvesting machinery and other farm equipment aims to reduce the physical burden on farmers and address labour shortages.
Connection to health and nutrition
ICAR and the Indian Council of Medical Research have jointly created the SEHAT initiative, which links agriculture, food and human health. This programme promotes biofortified crops, integrated farming methods and other approaches to strengthen nutrition through food systems.
How research reaches farmers
Dr Jat emphasised that scientific discoveries must move from laboratories to farms through reliable seed distribution systems, effective communication of new techniques and practical training at the field level. The conclave will provide a platform where researchers can connect with policymakers, businesses and farmers to accelerate the use of new technologies in agriculture.
What this means for you
The conclave aims to speed up adoption of agricultural innovations that could increase farm yields, improve crop nutrition, reduce farming costs and support environmental sustainability. For students and researchers, the event offers a showcase of India’s agricultural science capabilities and career opportunities in agri-tech startups and research institutions.
What happens next
ESTIC 2026 will run from 27 to 29 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The technical session on agricultural technology and nutrition will feature keynote speakers and panel discussions with leading researchers and scientists.