ICAR–NBAIR Celebrates 33rd Foundation Day and Hosts 3rd Biocontrol Expo 2025 in Bengaluru

19 October 2025, Bengaluru

ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day with the successful organization of the 3rd Biocontrol Expo 2025 at its Yelahanka campus. As the nodal institute for biological control research in India, ICAR–NBAIR hosted the event for the third consecutive year, highlighting its pivotal role in promoting eco-friendly pest management technologies.

The celebration was inaugurated by Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for MSME and Labour & Employment, and Padma Shri Dr. C. N. Manjunath, Member of Parliament, Bengaluru Rural Constituency, as Guests of Honour. Dr. S. N. Sushil, Director, ICAR–NBAIR, presided over the function.

In his address, Dr. S. N. Sushil highlighted the Bureau’s achievements, ongoing research, and technological innovations in biological pest management. He emphasized the urgent need to adopt sustainable pest control solutions to minimize the overuse of chemical pesticides, thereby safeguarding ecosystems and human health. He reaffirmed ICAR–NBAIR’s commitment to developing and disseminating farmer-friendly biocontrol technologies for sustainable agriculture.

Delivering the Foundation Day Lecture, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy encouraged farmers to adopt biocontrol-based pest management practices in crops such as coconut, maize, grapes, and pomegranate to reduce pesticide residues and enhance farm profitability. 

Sushri Shobha Karandlaje urged Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to collaborate closely with ICAR–NBAIR in training farmers to identify beneficial and harmful insects and in translating research innovations from lab to land. Dr. C. N. Manjunath underscored the adverse effects of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment, advocating for greater adoption of biological alternatives. A Foundation Day message from the Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, appreciating NBAIR’s contributions toward promoting biological control methods, was also read on the occasion.

The event also included the felicitation of progressive farmers from Karnataka and Maharashtra and the distribution of agricultural inputs to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers under the SCSP and TSP programmes.

The Biocontrol Expo 2025 attracted an impressive footfall of over 4,000 visitors, including farmers, students, scientists, and members of the general public.

A total of 34 stalls showcased innovative biocontrol technologies, eco-friendly agricultural inputs, and commercial products from ICAR–NBAIR, other ICAR institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and industry partners. Farmers from various districts of Hassan, Mandya, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Tumakuru, Ramanagara (Karnataka) and Latur, Solapur (Maharashtra) participated enthusiastically, making the event a significant step forward in advancing biological pest management and sustainable farming practices in India.

(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru)