ICAR-VPKAS, Almora organized National Symposium

ICAR-VPKAS, Almora organized DST SERB sponsored National Symposium on “Crop Health Management: Safeguarding Crop through Diagnostics and Innovations”during September 29-30, 2023 at Experimental Farm, Hawalbagh.

The event commenced with great enthusiasm, featuring an inaugural function on the morning of September 29, 2023. The symposium started with the ICAR song, setting the tone for the event's intellectual and collaborative atmosphere. Dignitaries were warmly welcomed to the event, signifying the gathering of experts and thought leaders in the field of crop health management. Dr. P.K. Chakrabarty, Former Member, ASRB, New Delhi & Former ADG PP& Biosafety, ICAR, New Delhi was the chief guest of the event and Dr. Subhas Chander, Director, ICAR-National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi was the guest of honour. Dr. P.K. Chakrabarty delivered an insightful address, sharing his expertise and vision. He said that the topic of the symposium is very appropriate and timely. He encouraged the researchers to streamline their future research work in cutting edge technologies development and deliverable to stakeholders of the nation. Guest of honour, Dr Subhas Chander addressed the gathering and highlighted the need of location specific integrated pest management to improve crop health. Dr. Lakshmi Kant, Director of ICAR-VPKAS, Almora, welcomed all the dignitaries and participants highlighting the significance of the symposium. Important publications related to crop health management were released, contributing valuable knowledge to the agricultural community. Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh, the Convener of the symposium, provided an overview of the event, its objectives, and expected outcomes. Dr. K.K. Mishra, Convener of the symposium and Head, Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-VPKAS, Almora, extended gratitude to all participants and contributors for their support and involvement.

Following the inaugural function, the symposium featured four informative sessions namely, Farmers' varieties and their role in host resistance & crop health management, Emerging Trends and Challenges for Crop Health amid Climate Change, Novel approaches for Crop Health Management and Secondary agriculture and agri-preneurship development opportunities in crop health management. The Plenary Session commenced with the presentation of proceedings by the convenors of all four sessions Symposium recognized and celebrated excellence in research with awards for the best oral and poster presentations, both in physical and virtual sessions.

The Plenary Session was graced by esteemed guests who shared their valuable insights. Dr. P.K. Chakroborty, Chairman of the session with his extensive experience, shared valuable perspectives on the future of agriculture and crop health management. His address resonated with the audience, offering guidance for future endeavours. Dr. Lakshmi Kant, co-chair of the session emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing crop health management. He encouraged participants to continue their research and innovation to safeguard crop health in the face of evolving challenges. Dr. Subhash Chander, co-chair brought a national perspective to the symposium, highlighting the role of research and technology in ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture. His insights added depth to the discussions.

Mr. Amit Umesh Paschapur, organizing secretary, delivered the formal vote of thanks. His words resonated with gratitude and appreciation for all the esteemed guests, participants, contributors, sponsors and organizers who made the symposium a resounding success. With a diverse audience comprising 266 participants, including 97 attending in person and 169 virtually, the DST SERB Sponsored National Symposium on “Crop Health Management: Safeguarding Crop through Diagnostics and Innovations” was a resounding success, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration in the crucial field of crop health management.

Dr. Lakshmi Kant, Dr. K.K. Mishra, and Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh were the conveners of the symposium, whereas Mr. Amit Umesh Paschapur and Dr. Gaurav Verma served as the organizing secretaries of the National Symposium on Crop Health Management: Safeguarding Crop through Diagnostics and Innovations.