A three-day National Seminar on “Biosecurity Risks and Mitigation Strategies in Horticultural Crops” was held at the ICAR-CPCRI Regional Station from 22–24 April 2026. The seminar aimed to address biosecurity risks in horticultural crops and promote innovative technological solutions aligned with the One Health approach.

The seminar was inaugurated virtually by Dr. S. K. Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticulture Science), ICAR. In his address, he highlighted the growing threats of bioinvasions to horticultural crops, noting their significant economic impact and potential risks to national livelihood security. He called for detailed deliberations and the development of actionable strategies, including a white paper on sustainable biological solutions to combat biosecurity threats. The Presidential address was delivered by Dr. K. B. Hebbar, Director of ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod, emphasizing the interconnected nature of abiotic and biotic stress factors. He cited examples such as the rugose spiralling whitefly and coconut eriophyid mite infestations, along with leaf spot disease in arecanut, which have caused severe economic losses. He noted that area-wide, farmer-participatory management strategies are being implemented for effective outreach.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. T. P. Rajendran, former ADG (Plant Protection & Biosafety). He stressed that although India has stringent quarantine laws, their implementation remains slow. He advocated for the creation of a Biosecurity Risk Atlas and stronger policy measures to prevent the entry of invasive pests.

A highlight of the seminar was the Dr. K. P. V. Menon Memorial Lecture Award 2026, delivered by Dr. George V. Thomas, former Director of ICAR-CPCRI. He outlined the research contributions of Dr. K. P. V. Menon and discussed future research directions, particularly focusing on innovative solutions to manage root (wilt) disease in coconut and improve productivity.

Felicitations were offered by Dr. R. Selvarajan, Director, ICAR-NRC Banana, Tiruchirapalli, and Dr. J. Dinakara Adiga, Director, ICAR-DCR, Puttur.

Shri. I. Samsutheen, a progressive farmer from Tenkasi and beneficiary of the Laying Out of Demonstration Project (LODP) implemented by ICAR-CPCRI, received the Kalpa Vajra Best Coconut Farmer Award–2026 for his innovative integrated farming model. The award included a cash prize of ₹10,000, a citation, trophy and a shawl.

Three technologies were released during the seminar:
• Kalpa Steinernema keralense capsules for biosuppression of red palm weevil
• Kalpa Anastatus egg cards for managing nut crinkling coreid bug
• Kalpa Vridhi a PGPR (Pseudomonas migulae) formulation for soil-health amelioration in coconut plantations

 

Additionally, two technical bulletins- “Coconut Health Management” and “Invasive Pests of Coconut: Biosecurity Risks and Mitigation Strategies”-along with a technical folder on coconut cultivation practices were released.

The session began with a welcome address by Dr. Regi Jacob Thomas, Head of the Kayamkulam Regional Station, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. A. Joseph Rajkumar, Principal Scientist.

Technical Sessions and Workshop

The seminar featured three technical sessions and a workshop on biosecurity issues in planting materials. Renowned experts including Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, Dr. R. Selvarajan, Dr. J. Dinakara Adiga, Dr. Ishwara Bhat, Dr. C. K. Peethambaran, Dr. Celia Chellam, Dr. T. Makeshkumar, Dr. K. Subaharan, Dr. Monika Singh delivered insightful lectures.

Valedictory Function

In the valedictory session, Dr. N. K. Krishnakumar, former DDG (Horticultural Science), emphasized the urgent need for revival of the Agricultural Biosecurity Bill, 2013 and for establishment of Agricultural Biosecurity Authority of India (ABAI) which is needed to tackle transboundary pests. He raised concerns about the unregulated movement of planting materials and highlighted gaps in interdisciplinary surveillance and diagnostic systems. Dr. K. U. K. Nampoothiri, former Director, called for stricter domestic quarantine measures for inter-state movement of planting materials.

Dr. Vinayaka Hegde, Head, Division of Crop Protection, delivered the first Shri M. K. Varghese Memorial Plenary Lecture, detailing advancements in research on coconut root (wilt) disease and recognizing Shri Verghese’s historical contributions.

A farewell ceremony was held for retiring scientists Dr. P. Anithakumari and Dr. Vinayaka Hegde.

On 24 April 2026, a cruise workshop on Biosecurity Outreach was conducted under the leadership of Dr. P. Anithakumari. Co-chairs included Dr. R. M. Prasad, Dr. C. Thamban, and Dr. A. Abdul Haris.

Dr. Regi Jacob Thomas presented a historical overview of plantation crops, referencing the classical work Hortus Malabaricus. Experts including Dr. R. M. Prasad, Dr. C. Thamban, Dr. P. Muralidharan, Dr. Celia Chellam, Dr. Ashaletha, Dr. A. Suresh, and Dr. K. Subaharan discussed biodiversity literacy, economic impacts, and outreach strategies.

The seminar concluded with the National Anthem, marking the end of a successful and insightful event.

In the seminar 140 delegates have participated.