Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR inaugurates National Symposium at ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal

8 April 2026, Karnal

Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, inaugurated the National Symposium on “Scientific and Community-Led Approaches for Sustainable Utilization and Management of Animal Genetic Resources towards Viksit Bharat @2047” at ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal today. The symposium is being organized by Society for Conservation of Domestic Animal Biodiversity.

In his inaugural address, Dr Jat underscored the critical role of animal genetic resources (AnGR) in ensuring food security and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He commended the progress made in breed registration under ongoing national initiatives and emphasized the need to achieve the target of zero non-descript livestock in the country by 2047. Highlighting the importance of pastoralism, he called for strengthened community-driven approaches for the sustainable utilization and conservation of indigenous germplasm.

Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR, also addressed the gathering and stressed the need for states to work towards eliminating non-descript livestock populations. He highlighted the growing importance of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, for assessing climate resilience in livestock breeds and identifying their regional suitability. He further emphasized the role of emerging technologies in accurate breed identification.

The symposium was attended by distinguished Guests of Honour, including Dr. Dheer Singh, Director, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute; Ms. Poonam Pate, Director, Maharashtra Gene Bank; and Dr. N. H. Mohan, Director, ICAR-NBAGR. On the occasion, scientists contributing to animal genetic resource conservation were honoured with awards and fellowships by SOCDAB.

The two-day symposium has brought together over 200 delegates from 22 states, who are deliberating on key issues related to the management, sustainable utilization, and policy dimensions of animal genetic resources, with a focus on contributing to the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047.

(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal)