Indian has been the earliest beneficiary of the Borlaug legacy that has contributed to the country accomplishing food security and economic prosperity. The wheat revolution in India triggered by Dr Borlaug has sustained its relevance due to the continued engagement of Indian Scientists in enhancing wheat productivity and production with consistent focus on food self sufficiency.

The unique feature of the BGRI Technical Workshop on wheat stem rust is that the four farmers who worked with Dr Norman Borlaug in the 1960s and70s will address participants during the opening function at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on August 19. Apart from that none other than president of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee will make the inaugural remarks at this joint event of Borlaug Global Rust Initiative and ICAR.

The scientists will discuss progress and challenges in protecting the world's wheat supply from rust and commemorate the 50th anniversary of Norman E. Borlaug's introduction of high-yielding wheat varieties to India. Reflecting the global compass of the initiative, the workshop will be attended by over 400 delegates from major wheat growing nations from all the continents of the world.

The workshop will continue over the period of four days from August 19 to 22, 2013. Participating nations, apart from the South Asian nations of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan will include the nations of the North and South Americas, Europe, Central Asia, Middle East, the Maghreb region, Africa, Australia, and East Asia.