ICAR–NIBSM Celebrates 14th Foundation Day with Focus on Innovation and One Health Approach

7 October 2025, Raipur

ICAR–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, celebrated its 14th Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and active participation from scientists, students, and farmers.

Dr. Mangla Rai, Former Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and establishing ICAR–NIBSM during his tenure as DG, ICAR, emphasized the importance of adopting the One Health approach, underscoring the need for synergy between biotic and abiotic stress management. Dr Rai further highlighted that biotechnology must be leveraged to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to address the evolving challenges faced by farmers.

Dr. T. P. Rajendran, Former Assistant Director General (Plant Protection); Dr. Piyush Pandey, Vice-Chancellor, Amity University, Chhattisgarh; and Dr. J. Kumar, Former Joint Director, ICAR–NIBSM, attended as Guests of Honour.

Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Dr. P. K. Rai, Director, ICAR–NIBSM, presented the institute’s achievements and recent initiatives. He emphasized the need to strengthen higher education and capacity-building programmes to develop skilled human resources in agricultural sciences.

As part of the celebration, two progressive farmers were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to sustainable farming practices. Best-performing employees of the institute were also recognized and awarded across various categories for their exemplary services.

Several important publications including a book on Antimicrobial Resistance, Technical Bulletins, and Policy Papers were released by the dignitaries on the occasion.

A Farmer–Scientist Interaction was also organized, providing a valuable platform for around 100 farmers to engage with scientists on key issues related to agriculture, crop management, and stress mitigation strategies.

The event proceedings were smoothly coordinated by Dr. Anil Dixit, Joint Director, ICAR–NIBSM, who also delivered the Welcome Address. The celebration concluded with the participation of distinguished guests, institute staff, students, and farmers, marking the day as a memorable milestone in the institute’s journey.

(Source: ICAR–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur)