The 9th Agricultural Graduate Students Conference (AGSC) began at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), showcasing a blend of academic excellence and agricultural innovation. The two-day event, themed "Commercializing Agro Technology: Invest, Innovate, Incubate," serves as a platform for exchanging advanced ideas in agriculture.
The inaugural session, led by Dr. D. Suresh Kumar, Dean of School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), emphasized the need for a strong collaboration between academia and industry to drive agricultural progress. Dr. N. Senthil, Director, Center for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology highlighted the conference's role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting the increasing recognition of agriculture as a diverse field that requires a comprehensive approach to problem-solving and innovation.
The Chief guest, Dr. S. Bhaskar, Advisor (NRM-CC) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, delivered a keynote address focusing on current agricultural challenges and opportunities. He discussed the impact of climate change, soil-crop interactions, and the importance of the "Clean Plant Program," which promotes sustainable agricultural practices within a circular economy framework.
In a symbolic moment, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Geethalakshmi, presented the first copy of the "2024 9th AGSC Abstract Compendium" to Dr. Bhaskar, followed by its release. This compendium, a collection of research abstracts, symbolizes the transfer of knowledge from academia to policymakers, potentially influencing future agricultural policies at the national level.
Vice Chancellor Dr. V.Geethalakshmi also spolightened TNAU's leadership in agricultural innovation, discussing collaborative projects like the Drone Didi Yojana—an initiative using drones for agricultural applications—and carbon credit trading schemes, demonstrating the university's commitment to integrating technology with sustainable practices.
The conference has attracted 1,254 participants from various universities and research institutions worldwide, enriching the discussions with diverse perspectives. The event features 427 poster presentations and 66 oral presentations, covering a wide range of agricultural topics, from crop genetics to sustainable farming practices, providing a comprehensive overview of current agricultural research and development.
As the conference continues, it remains a key platform for nurturing innovative ideas and building partnerships. The AGSC underscores the dynamic nature of the agricultural sector and its potential to address global challenges through the commercialization of agro-technology. In a time of environmental uncertainty and food security issues, such events are crucial in shaping the future of agriculture, with the potential to influence global practices and policies.