The Department of Plant Pathology, Centre for Plant Protection Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), in collaboration with Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, France, inaugurated a three-day Indo-French Seminar on “Interface of Plant Disease Epidemics, Food Safety and Food Security: Implications for One Health” at Coimbatore, yesterday.
The event was presided over by Dr. V. Balasubramani, Controller of Examinations, TNAU, Coimbatore. The special address was delivered by Dr. Nitin Seth, Director, Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/CEFIPRA), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, New Delhi.
In his welcome address, Dr. K. Angappan, Professor and Head, Department of Plant Pathology, TNAU, highlighted the significance of the Indo-French collaboration in addressing global agricultural challenges through scientific partnerships. Dr. G. Senthilraja, Indian Coordinator from TNAU, and Dr. Frédéric M. Hamelin, French Coordinator from Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, presented an overview of the seminar’s objectives and collaborative outcomes expected from the ongoing research partnership.
In this seminar, six eminent researchers from France and twenty-five leading researchers from various states across India are participating. In addition, hundreds of researchers, students, and technical experts from all over India are taking part in the event. The seminar will discuss the interconnectedness of plant disease epidemics, food safety, and food security under the One Health framework. Over the next three days, the deliberations will focus on developing sustainable strategies for managing plant health, ensuring food safety, and protecting public health and the environment.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. M. Kavitha, Associate Professor and Head, Horticultural Research Station, TNAU, Ooty, followed by high tea. The Indo-French Seminar marks a significant step toward strengthening international research collaborations and promoting scientific dialogue for global food and health security.