ICAR–IARI, New Delhi Organizes Workshop on Taxonomy and Molecular Identification of Agriculturally Important Insects

9 March 2026, New Delhi

The Division of Entomology at ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, inaugurated a three-day ANRF-sponsored workshop on “Taxonomy and Molecular Identification of Agriculturally Important Insects” from 9–11 March 2026 at the auditorium of ICAR–National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi.

The workshop was inaugurated by Rabindra Nath Padaria, Joint Director (Extension), ICAR–IARI, who highlighted the crucial role of accurate insect identification in agricultural pest management, biosecurity, and biodiversity conservation. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the importance of integrating classical taxonomy with modern molecular tools to enable precise and timely identification of pest species affecting Indian agriculture.

V. V. Ramamurthy, President, Entomological Society of India, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour and stressed the urgent need to strengthen taxonomic expertise in India. M. K. Dhillon, Head, Division of Entomology, ICAR–IARI, reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to advancing both basic and applied research in entomology, with increased focus on integrating molecular, digital, and artificial intelligence-based tools in insect taxonomy and diagnostics.

During the inaugural session, the dignitaries also released a publication related to the workshop and launched the website “Tortricidae of India.”

Earlier, Shashank P. R., Course Director of the workshop, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and outlined the objectives of the programme. He emphasized the importance of capacity building in insect taxonomy and molecular diagnostics for researchers, students, and plant protection professionals.

The workshop has attracted 32 participants from 17 states, representing universities, research institutes, and agricultural organizations across the country. The programme features expert lectures, hands-on training sessions, and demonstrations on insect taxonomy, morphological identification, DNA barcoding, and other molecular diagnostic techniques for agriculturally important insects.

The initiative aims to strengthen national capacity in insect identification and promote the integration of classical taxonomy with advanced molecular approaches for effective and sustainable agricultural pest management.

(Source: ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi)