ICAR-IARI Organized CAFT Training on Smart Biocontrol Strategies for Sustainable Plant Disease Management

Three weeks long (Feb. 19-March 11, 2026) CAFT training programme “Smart Biocontrol Strategies for Sustainable Plant Disease Management” concluded on a high note with the valedictory program held on 11^th March 2026 at Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.

Dr. Ch Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, in his Chief Guest address conveyed his satisfaction with the feed-back from the participants for successful organization of meticulously planned training programme. Dr Rao emphasized the strengthening of biocontrol strategies through cutting edge technologies for sustainable crop protection system keeping in view One Health Mission. He advised the participants to use the gained knowledge/skills to address the challenges of crop losses due to diseases.

Dr Anupama Singh, Dean and Joint Director Education emphasized the quality of biopesticides for effective and sustainable eco friendly disease management. Dr M. S. Saharan, Head, Plant Pathology and Course Director conveyed the gratitude to the Education Division of ICAR for sponsoring the training programme. Eighteen scientists / Assistant Professors (12 male and 6 female) from different ICAR institutes / SAU’s of 11 different states received certificates for successfull completion of the training programme from Dr. Ch Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. 

Commercialization of Technology

crRNA, RPA primers and a rapid, sensitive, specific and field deployable diagnostic process for chilli leaf curl virus was commercialized to Zenomix BioLab Pvt Limited on March 24, 2026 (Dr Anirban Roy, Division of Plant Pathology)