ICAR-RCER, Patna Hosts National Conference on Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change Mitigation

22-24 January 2026, Patna

ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, in collaboration with the National Environmental Science Academy, New Delhi, and ICAR–ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, organized a three-day National Conference on Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change Mitigation (ESSACCM–2026) from 22–24 January 2026.

The conference comprised technical and poster sessions on key themes including climate change and sustainability, green technologies for pollution mitigation, translational research for climate resilience, and extension research linking science with policy for socially challenged farmers. An exhibition showcasing innovations by industry partners and research institutions was also organized to promote farmer-centric solutions.

In his inaugural address as Chief Guest, Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna, emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship for sustainable development and cautioned against the indiscriminate use of chemicals and antibiotics that threaten ecological balance.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. Anjani Kumar, Director, ICAR-ATARI, discussed the challenges faced by farmers in sustaining productivity and livelihoods under changing climatic conditions.

Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, highlighted that environmental stewardship is a necessity rather than a choice, stressing that quality food production must align with environmental health, biodiversity conservation, and farmers’ welfare, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Dr. Bikas Das, Director, ICAR-NRC Litchi, emphasized nature-friendly, low-cost solutions to address environmental degradation. The inaugural session was enriched by a melodious welcome song presented by students of the IARI Patna Hub.

The conference featured five keynote lectures, fifteen lead and invited talks, and around 100 oral and poster presentations by eminent national and international experts, including Dr. Alison Laing (CIMMYT), Dr. Tanu Jindal (Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology), Prof. Sribash Roy (University of Hyderabad), and Dr. Rajesh Reddy (Borlaug Institute for South Asia).

A special farmers–industry–scientists interactive session on “Socio-economic Upliftment of Socially and Economically Weaker Farmers” facilitated discussions on entrepreneurship, millet farming, public–private partnerships, and agro-industry linkages.

During the valedictory session, Chief Guest Shri Bharat Jyoti, Chairman, Bihar State Biodiversity Board, Patna, underscored the role of biodiversity and agro-ecology in sustainable development.

Guest of Honour Dr. S.S. Rathore, Head, Division of Agronomy, IARI, New Delhi, stressed integrating ecological principles into modern agriculture. 
Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Secretary, NESA, New Delhi, highlighted the Academy’s role in promoting environmental awareness and safety. NESA awards and prizes for best oral and poster presentations were also conferred.

The event witnessed participation of about 200 scientists, academicians, researchers, farmers, and students, and concluded on a high note, fostering collaboration and reinforcing commitment towards a sustainable, climate-resilient, and environmentally responsible future.

(Source: ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna)