The 13th International Conference on Dryland Development (ICDD), themed "Converting Dryland Areas from Grey to Green," was held in Jodhpur from February 11-14, 2019. Organized by the International Dryland Development Commission (IDDC) and the Arid Zone Research Association of India, the conference marked a significant milestone as it was hosted in India for the first time, coinciding with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur.
The event brought together over 450 scientists and stakeholders from 40 countries to discuss pressing challenges and innovative solutions for sustainable dryland agriculture. The conference was inaugurated by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, who emphasized the fragile nature of dryland ecosystems and the growing threats posed by land degradation and climate change. He highlighted the need for strategic interventions to enhance resilience and ensure sustainable agricultural productivity in dryland regions.
