21-Day ICAR Winter School Concludes at ICAR-NIBSM, Raipur

16 February 2026, Raipur

The 21-day ICAR-sponsored Winter School on “Emerging Biotechnological and Biorational Interventions for Mitigating Insect Pests and Pathogens of National Importance” concluded today at ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur. The programme was conducted from 27 January to 16 February 2026 under the sponsorship of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Chairperson, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, emphasized the need for a mission-mode research approach, calling for a shift from reactive plant protection practices to predictive plant health management. He also highlighted the increasing threats of invasive species and cross-border biological incursions, underscoring pest risk management as a critical component of national biosecurity.

Dr. P.K. Rai, Director, ICAR-NIBSM, stressed the urgency of transitioning from chemical-intensive plant protection to sustainable, biologically driven approaches. He stated that such structured capacity-building programmes play a vital role in shaping future research priorities and strengthening preparedness against emerging biotic stresses.

Dr. Anil Dixit, Joint Director and Course Director, presented a detailed report of the Winter School. Over the 21-day period, the programme featured 70 expert lectures, 10 hands-on practical sessions, and three field and industry visits, providing a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge, laboratory exposure, and field-based learning. Key thematic areas included advanced biotechnological tools, molecular diagnostics, biorational pest management strategies, and integrated plant health management frameworks.

The training resulted in a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge levels, rising from 39% to 72%, and was rated between “Very Good” and “Excellent” by the participants.

On the occasion, the Chief Guest planted a Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) sapling on the institute campus, symbolizing environmental sustainability and a commitment to ecological balance.

A total of 25 participants from 12 states, representing diverse disciplines in plant protection and allied sciences, attended the programme. Certificates were distributed to the participants by the Chief Guest during the valedictory session.

The event was attended by Joint Directors, scientists, resource persons, and staff of ICAR-NIBSM, marking the successful completion of a nationally significant capacity-building initiative of ICAR.

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