Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Agro Climate Research Centre (ACRC) organized a National Workshop on “Climate Resilient Nutri-rich Crops and Health Benefits,” funded by Grand Challenges Canada (GCC), to promote sustainable food and nutritional security in the face of changing climate patterns was conducted on 05.11.2025. The event brought together leading scientists, entrepreneurs, academicians, farmers, and research scholars from across the country to deliberate on innovative strategies linking climate resilience, crop diversity, and public health with nutritional security.
Dr. N. Senthil, Director, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Director (i/c), Crop Management, TNAU, welcomed the gathering and emphasized the importance of collaborative research in addressing food security challenges.
The special address was delivered by Dr. Rekha Sinha, Executive Director, International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), New Delhi, who joined virtually. She highlighted the transformative potential of gene and genome editing tools such as CRISPR in developing stress-tolerant crops and emphasized the importance of biofortified varieties rich in essential vitamins, fibre, and micronutrients, highlighting the vital role of science and innovation in promoting sustainable nutrition. Dr. K. Kadhirvelu, DEBEL, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi, envisioned India’s aspiration for a hunger-free and healthy nation by 2047, stressing the need for global technological innovations such as predictive aircraft engine systems and biosensors to strengthen food security.
Dr. R. Thamizh Vendan, Acting Vice-Chancellor, TNAU, delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing the impact of climate change on quality of the global crop productivity and urged the promotion of millets and pulses rich in iron, zinc, and calcium to combat hidden hunger. He also highlighted the importance of pest forewarning systems, risk management tools, and farmer training programmes to enhance agricultural resilience.
Dr. V.Geethalakshmi, Former Vice-Chancellor, TNAU delivered the keynote address, stressing that the increasing global population demands the adoption of drought- and saline-tolerant crops, nano-fertilizers, microbial technologies, and millet-based nutrition gardens to ensure sustainable food systems.
Following the inaugural session, a book titled “Climate Change and Nutritional Security” was released by Dr. R.Thamizh Vendan, Acting Vice-Chancellor, TNAU, and received by Dr. V.Geethalakshmi, Former Vice-Chancellor, TNAU, marking a significant step toward advancing research and awareness in sustainable nutrition and climate-resilient agriculture.
The event was concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. N. K. Sathyamoorthy, Professor and Head, ACRC, who expressed his gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organizers for their valuable contributions and active engagement throughout the workshop.