The Centre for Plant Protection Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), inaugurated the International Conference on "One Health Perspectives in Global Plant Protection Research" (OHPGGR-2025). The conference aims to bring together experts from around the world to share their knowledge and experiences on the latest advances in plant protection research.
The inaugural function began with a prayer and lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address by Dr. M. Murugan, Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Entomology. Dr.M.Shanthi, Director (CPPS), provided an overview of the conference.
The inaugural function was presided over by Dr. V. Geethalakshmi, Vice-Chancellor, TNAU, and in her presidential address, emphasized the university's commitment to promote sustainable agriculture and plant protection practices. She highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in addressing the complex challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
Shri. Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension, AIF, Investment & Price Support), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, inaugurated the conference and delivered the keynote address.
Dr. Sonai Rajan, in his special address emphasized the importance of adopting a "One Health" approach in plant protection research, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and plant health. He highlighted the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management practices to ensure food security and mitigate the impact of climate change. Dr. V.V. Ramamurthy, President, Entomological Society of India gave a special address.
The conference features a range of technical sessions, key note address, lead talks by the global and Indian experts and poster presentations on topics such as climate change and plant health, emerging plant diseases and pests, plant-microbe interactions, and digital plant protection focussing one health.
The conference is being attended by over 500 delegates from India and abroad, including experts from academia, research institutions, industry, and government. Conference extended abstracts (VOL I&II), Emerging Frontiers in Plant Health: Experts Perspectives, a mobile app was released by the Vice Chancellor and the Chief guests. An Exhibition on new plant protection products was inaugurated by Dr. Samuel Praveen Kumar.
Dr. K. Angappan, Ph.D., Professor and Head, Department of Plant Pathology, delivered the vote of thanks. With that, the inaugural function came to a close, and the conference proceeded with its technical sessions. About 40 numbers of retired Plant Protection Scientists were honoured during the inaugural session.