National Symposium on Harnessing Plant Genetic Resources of Peninsular India Inaugurated at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru

Peninsular India’s Rich Genetic Diversity Holds the Key to Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Food Security

18 September 2026, Bengaluru

The three-day National Symposium on “Harnessing Plant Genetic Resources of Peninsular India” was inaugurated today at the Dr G. S. Randhawa Auditorium, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru. Being held from 17–19 September 2026, the symposium is organized by the Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources (ISPGR) in association with the ICAR-IIHR and the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS). It brings together scientists, researchers, policymakers, students, farmers and other stakeholders to discuss the conservation, characterization and utilization of plant genetic resources of Peninsular India.

The inaugural session was graced by Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, as the Chief Guest. Padma Bhushan Dr R. S. Paroda, President, ISPGR and Chairman, TAAS; Dr D. K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences), ICAR; and Dr Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, were among the distinguished dignitaries present.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot emphasized that plant genetic resources are not merely scientific material preserved in gene banks, but form the biological foundation of future agriculture, food and nutritional security, ecological balance and rural livelihoods. He underlined their significance in addressing three major global challenges—climate change, food and nutritional insecurity, and biodiversity loss.

The Hon’ble Governor highlighted the exceptional biological wealth of Peninsular India, encompassing the Western and Eastern Ghats, Deccan Plateau, coastal regions, drylands, and rainfed and tribal agricultural areas. He noted that the region is home to a rich repository of landraces, traditional varieties, crop wild relatives, medicinal and ornamental plants, and indigenous knowledge. He stressed the need for systematic documentation, scientific characterization, conservation and sustainable utilization of these resources in view of threats including habitat loss, climate change and invasive plant species.

Padma Bhushan Dr R. S. Paroda described genetic resources as the heritage of mankind and called upon the scientific community to explore more genetic resources by decoding genes for the benefit of humankind. He also urged greater recognition of farmers and local communities who have been preserving the country’s natural resources. Dr Paroda stressed the need to establish State-level missions for conservation of natural resources, along with their proper documentation for further preservation and effective utilization.

Dr D. K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences), ICAR, New Delhi, called for greater utilization of conserved genetic resources for effective crop improvement, supported by novel breeding strategies. He appreciated the role of the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in the conservation of plant genetic resources through the National Gene Bank.

At the outset, Dr Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Dr Anuradha Agrawal, General Secretary, ISPGR, proposed the vote of thanks.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru)