Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR inaugurated the XXIX Biennial Workshop of AICRP for Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA) and XIII Annual Review Workshop of AICRPDA-NICRA at Horticulture Research Station (AAU), Guwahati today.

Dr. A.K. Nayak, DDG (NRM) and Dr B.C. Deka, Vice chancellor, Assam Agricultural University also graced the occasion.

Dr. Jat while appreciating the contributions of AICRPDA network, emphasized on redesigning of dryland research portfolio with studies on water-nutrient interactions, land- water-energy nexus, use of biologicals as nature-based solutions, carbon trading and ecosystem services potential of drylands. He further stressed on the need for building a strong data ecosystem, and identify the research gaps by analyzing the data of past 50 years; transition from plot to farm to landscape approach, and convergence with relevant institutes. He further highlighted the need to track the AICRPDA recommendations made over the years in terms of their adoption and impact.

Dr A.K. Nayak, DDG (NRM) highlighted the need to reorient and prioritize the dryland research with systems approach through horizontal and vertical integration and trans- disciplinary approach. He urged the AICRPDA network to come out with updated map of dryland areas in the country; analysis of changes in irrigated drylands and rainfed drylands over the years; initiate controlled environment research and use of IoTs for efficient resource management. It was suggested to bring out a document highlighting the impact of dryland technologies in the country

Dr B.C. Deka, Vice Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University asked the AICRPDA network to develop location-specific technologies to address the challenges of rainfall variability.

Dr V.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-CRIDA in his welcome address briefed about the purpose of the workshop.

Dr J.V.N.S. Prasad, Project Coordinator (AICRPDA) presented major achievements of the network. On the occasion, the dignitaries released the Annual Reports of AICRPDA and AICRPDA-NICRA were released and awarded three best performing centres.