Experts convened at a national symposium in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, to address the escalating threats to India’s plant health security, driven by climate change, global trade expansion, and evolving agricultural practices. The imperative for robust biosecurity systems was underscored to protect crops and ensure national food security.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the two-day National Symposium on ‘Next-Generation Plant Health Strategies for Climate Resilience, Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture’ was hosted by the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla. The chief guest, Dr. S.S. Chahal, former Vice-Chancellor of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, emphasized the necessity of modernizing plant biosecurity measures.
During the inaugural session, Dr. Chahal highlighted the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the detection and management of plant diseases. However, he also pointed out significant constraints to its widespread adoption, including limited datasets, the need for crop-specific applications, and existing technological barriers. Dr. Chahal advocated for the development of reliable, field-ready AI solutions that are supported by comprehensive datasets, require multidisciplinary expertise, and benefit from enhanced coordination among research institutions.
The symposium also addressed critical gaps in the existing plant biosecurity framework. Concerns were raised regarding insufficient screening at international entry points, inadequate post-entry quarantine surveillance, and the inherent risks associated with agricultural imports. Experts reiterated that conventional plant protection methods must be augmented with advanced surveillance systems, modern diagnostic tools, and well-coordinated institutional mechanisms to effectively minimize crop losses and safeguard agricultural output.
In his keynote address, Dr. Swarup Kumar Chakrabarti emphasized the importance of a holistic approach, integrating plant health, environmental health, and ecosystem health into comprehensive and sustainable disease management strategies. This integrated strategy is seen as crucial for building resilience against emerging threats and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.
Further insights were provided by Dr. R. Viswanathan, former Director of ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, and president of the Indian Phytopathological Society. He discussed the potential of emerging biotechnological approaches in enhancing crop resistance to various diseases. These innovative methods are expected to play a significant role in developing more resilient crop varieties capable of withstanding prevalent and emerging pathogens.
Dr. V.P. Sharma, former Director of ICAR-Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan, drew attention to the multifaceted potential of mushrooms. He highlighted their capacity to significantly enhance nutritional security, diversify rural livelihoods by creating new income streams, and promote sustainable agricultural practices through efficient resource utilization and waste management.
The discussions at the symposium collectively pointed towards a future where advanced technological solutions, such as AI, coupled with a strengthened understanding of ecological interdependencies and biotechnological innovations, will be central to ensuring the health and security of India’s plant resources. The need for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and the agricultural community, was a recurring theme throughout the proceedings, underscoring the collective responsibility in fortifying the nation’s plant health infrastructure against evolving challenges.
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