A two-day International Conference on Plant Health in Asia: Research Priorities and Partnerships was opened at Vignan University. The conference is a culmination of efforts of EUPHESCO (European Plant Health Research and Coordination) in facilitating a network of institutions that foster joint research projects, share information and align with research priorities among the member countries. Vignan University is hosting the conference with the support of APAARI (Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions), which is implementing EUPHRESCO projects in Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Secretary of APAARI, opened the event, stating, “APAARI was established in FAO 35 years ago, and we play a key role in facilitating research organizations, academia, industry, and farmer groups. There is a need for strengthening plant health research, especially National Research Systems, industry, and academia, to address new challenges. After working in SE Asia through the ASSET project, APAARI is entering into the agroecology domain with active collaboration with Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming.”
The Chief Guest, Shri Vijay Kumar, Executive Vice-Chairman of Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, highlighted the pressing need to address the climate crisis. “It is time we recognize the climate crisis. We are on the brink of the 6th mass extinction, having already crossed six of the nine planetary boundaries. Natural Farming provides a promising solution without compromise on food security, requiring no chemical fertilizers and representing an emerging science. Key practices such as maintaining 365 days of green cover, growing multiple crops, no-till farming, and preventing land from lying fallow are essential for soil regeneration. Our experience in Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming is that crops are resilient to floods and pest attacks.”
Adding an international perspective, Mr. Baldissera Giovani, Co-ordinator of Euphresco III, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between research institutions globally. “Over time, a gap has emerged between universities, private industries, Europe, and the rest of the world. To bridge this divide, we are making efforts to bring all global stakeholders together. This meeting will play a crucial role in ensuring representation from all key actors,” he said.
Dr. K.S. Varaprasad, Former Director of ICAR and Project Manager of the USDA-SPS project, underlined the conference’s objectives. “This global coordination conference aims to collaborate with individuals and organizations possessing research expertise and the capacity to build global networks to advance plant health research. The development of natural pesticides as alternatives to chemical pesticides is a key expectation from research experts in the field.”
Concluding the event, Dr. Ramesh Babu, Director of the Department of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, expressed gratitude to APAARI. “The University is eager to establish industry partnerships and global networking in plant health research,” he noted, commending the association for organizing this pivotal event.
About the conference
The challenge of global food security necessitates feeding an additional two billion people by 2050, highlighting the need for advancements in plant health research to safeguard crops from pests and diseases. At present, pests are responsible for 20-40% of global crop yield losses, amounting to an annual economic impact of $290 billion. Maintaining healthy crops is vital for supporting agricultural trade, adhering to international standards, and preserving market access. Poor plant health can result in trade barriers and significant economic losses. Therefore, robust plant health management is critical for ensuring global food security and sustaining competitive trade. The key themes include:
- Molecular Breeding and Gene Editing Approaches for Biotic Stress
- Changing Pest Scenario, Epidemiology, Forecasting & Monitoring in relation to Climate Change
- Sanitary, Phytosanitary and Quarantine Regulations
- Artificial Intelligence and IoT for Plant Health Management
- Plant Health Policy Advocacy in Asia
- Agri-Entrepreneurship and Public-Private Farmer Partnership for Plant Health
Key Speakers
Dr. Ravi Khetarpal Executive Director APAARI
Ms. Sarah Brunel Implementation & Facilitation lead FAO
Mr Baldissera Giovani, Co-ordinator (Euphresco III),
Dr. Paul Taylor, Technical Coordinator, APAARI
Dr.Vinod Pandi, Regional Director-South Asia CABI
Dr. K S Varaprasad, Former Director ICAR, Currently Project Manager (USDA-SPS project)
Background Information about the hosting Organizations
Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI)
APAARI, established by FAO in 1990, is a membership-based organization promoting agricultural research and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. It unites National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), international research centres, universities, NGOs, and the private sector, with 80 member organizations, including 22 core member countries. APAARI’s mission is to strengthen agri-food research systems through partnerships, capacity building, and advocacy for sustainable agriculture. Its work focuses on four themes: Natural Resource Management, Risk Mitigation, Inclusive Development, and Policy Advocacy. The current conference aligns with these themes, emphasizing plant health research and management.
Vignan University
Established in 2009, the University is accredited by NAAC with an “A+” grade and ranked 72 by NIRF. VFSTR emphasizes academic excellence and social responsibility under the leadership of its Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Vice-Chancellor. Guided by values and ethics, it fosters human values and social awareness, reflecting its motto, “Technology with a Human Face.” Known for its dedicated faculty and modern infrastructure, the University ensures a rigorous education through continuous improvement.
