ICAR–NIBSM, Raipur Celebrates 14th Foundation Day, Emphasises Genomic Research and Farmer-Centric Innovation

7 October 2026, Raipur

ICAR–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, celebrated its 14th Foundation Day today with a focus on genomic science, research innovation and farmer-centric approaches to managing biotic stresses in agriculture. The programme was attended by scientists, academicians, farmers, students, officers and staff of the Institute.

Dr T. R. Sharma, former Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, New Delhi, was the Chief Guest. Dr Girish Chandel, Vice-Chancellor, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur; Prof. Piyush Kant Pandey, Vice-Chancellor, Amity University Chhattisgarh, Raipur; and Dr K. P. Yadav, Vice-Chancellor, MATS University, Raipur, attended as Guests of Honour.

Dr P. K. Rai, Director, ICAR–NIBSM, presided over the programme, which was also attended by Dr Jagdish Kumar, former Joint Director and Acting Director of the Institute.

Dr Anil Dixit, Joint Director, ICAR–NIBSM, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the Institute’s journey and its growing role in addressing emerging challenges in biotic stress management.

Dr P. K. Rai presented an overview of the Institute’s progress, major achievements and ongoing initiatives. He emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary research, innovation and farmer-oriented technological interventions to manage insect pests, diseases, weeds and other biotic stresses under changing agricultural conditions.

Foundation Day Lecture on Genomic Science and Gene Discovery

Delivering the Foundation Day Lecture on “Genomic Science and Gene Discovery”, Dr T. R. Sharma traced the evolution of genomic science and gene discovery, highlighting the scientific journey of the Pi54 gene in relation to blast disease in rice. He underscored the importance of genomic approaches in developing disease-resistant crop varieties, enhancing productivity and promoting agricultural sustainability. He also stressed the need to integrate modern genomic technologies with field-level agricultural challenges to develop high-yielding and resilient crop varieties.

Scientific Publications and Awards

Several scientific publications prepared by the Institute were released on the occasion. Covering natural farming, invasive pests and diseases, and practical manuals, these publications aim to facilitate scientific knowledge dissemination and provide useful information to students, researchers, farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.

The Foundation Day programme also recognised outstanding contributions by scientists, employees and students. Dr P. Moventhan received the Best Scientist Award, while the Best Research Paper Award was presented to Dr S. K. Sharma and his team. Shri Zakir Hussain Khilji was conferred the Best Worker Award. Shri Saurabh and Ms Shreya received the Best Postgraduate (PG) Student Award and Best Undergraduate (UG) Student Award, respectively.

The dignitaries congratulated the awardees and highlighted the importance of recognising excellence in promoting research quality, dedication, innovation and institutional growth.

Farmer–Scientist Interaction and Distribution of Trichogramma Cards

A Farmer–Scientist Interaction was organised to facilitate direct engagement between farmers and scientists and address field-level challenges related to insect pests, diseases and other biotic stresses affecting agricultural and horticultural crops. Scientists discussed practical management strategies and shared solutions relevant to farmers’ needs.

Trichogramma cards were distributed to participating farmers to promote the biological management of insect pests in vegetable crops. The initiative highlighted the Institute’s commitment to environmentally safe, biorational and sustainable pest management practices and the transfer of scientific technologies from the laboratory to farmers’ fields.

The interaction also reinforced the importance of aligning research priorities with farmers’ requirements and strengthening the dissemination and adoption of effective agricultural technologies.

The programme was coordinated by Dr Anil Dixit, Joint Director, ICAR–NIBSM. Scientists, technical and administrative personnel, staff, students and farmers participated in the celebration.

The 14th Foundation Day reaffirmed ICAR–NIBSM’s commitment to scientific excellence, genomic research, biological and biorational pest management, and farmer-centric innovation to strengthen the productivity, sustainability and resilience of Indian agriculture.

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