To commemorate the 98^th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Regional Station, Kayamkulam, organized a one-day seminar on 16 July 2026 on the theme “Roots and Routes of Viksit Krishi: Science Journey of ICAR. Around 100 participants, including trainees, scientists and staff of ICAR-CPCRI and ICAR-KVK, Alappuzha, as well as students and faculty members from seven regional colleges, participated in the event.

The programme commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. A. Josephrajkumar, Principal Scientist (Agricultural Entomology), who briefly highlighted the significance of the ICAR Foundation Day and the pioneering role played by ICAR in transforming Indian agriculture through science, innovation and technology. Presiding over the function, Dr. Regi Jacob Thomas, Head, ICAR-CPCRI Regional Station, Kayamkulam, delivered the presidential address titled “Green Revolution to Digital Solutions.” He traced the evolution of Indian agriculture from the Green Revolution to the present era of digital agriculture, emphasizing ICAR's pivotal role in ensuring food security, developing climate-resilient technologies, strengthening agricultural research, and empowering farmers through scientific innovations.

The seminar was inaugurated virtually by the Chief Guest, Dr. P. Pugazhendi, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Kerala. In his inaugural address, he stressed the urgent need for biodiversity conservation, integrated ecosystem management and collaborative action for safeguarding India's rich natural and agricultural heritage. The Guest of Honour, Dr. Toms C. Joseph, Principal Scientist, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi, delivered a highly informative special lecture entitled “Antarctica Expedition: Experiences from the Frozen Continent.” Drawing from his participation in India's 45th Scientific Expedition to Antarctica, he shared experiences from the expedition and discussed his pioneering research on microplastics as carriers of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes in fragile polar ecosystems.

A significant highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the Proceedings of the National Seminar on “Biosecurity Risks and Mitigation Strategies in Horticultural Crops.” The occasion also featured the presentation of a pre-release version of the “Proceedings of the Seminar on Roots and Routes of Viksit Krishi: Science Journey of ICAR,” containing invited technical articles and abstracts prepared for the seminar.

The technical sessions consisted of four lead lectures delivered by senior scientists representing different research disciplines of the Institute, each focusing on a key aspect of ICAR's contribution to agricultural development.

In the first lecture, Dr. M. Shareefa, Principal Scientist (Horticulture), presented “Seeds of Synergy: ICAR and India's Rainbow Revolution.” She highlighted the remarkable achievements of ICAR in crop improvement, varietal development and integrated agricultural research that have contributed to India's multiple agricultural revolutions encompassing food grains, horticulture, livestock, fisheries and plantation crops. The second lecture was delivered by Dr. A. Abdul Haris, Principal Scientist (Agronomy) on “Strategic Role of ICAR in Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture in India.” He explained how ICAR has been instrumental in developing climate-resilient technologies through scientific research, technological innovation, policy support and capacity building. The third technical lecture, “Smart Defences: ICAR's Bio-Intensive IPM Reshaping Crop Protection,” was delivered by Dr. A. Josephrajkumar, Principal Scientist (Agrl. Entomology). He elaborated on ICAR's integrated strategies for sustainable pest and disease management through bio-intensive IPM, emphasizing eco-friendly crop protection technologies and their alignment with the One Health approach that integrates plant, animal, human and environmental health. The final technical session was handled by Dr. P. Muralidharan, Principal Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK, Alappuzha, who delivered a lecture titled “Krishi Vigyan Kendra: The Technology Hub of ICAR.” He highlighted the vital role of KVKs as ICAR's frontline extension system strengthening the linkage between research institutions and farming communities.

Complementing the technical sessions, the REAP (Research, Extension and Products) Exhibition showcased the major research achievements, technologies, commercial products and extension activities of the Regional Station. The exhibition attracted considerable attention from students and visitors, providing them with valuable exposure to ICAR's scientific accomplishments and technology transfer initiatives.

As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, several competitions were organized to promote scientific awareness and creativity among participants. Institute staff enthusiastically participated in a photography competition on the theme “Indian Farms in Digital Frames,” an essay competition titled “Viksit Krishi for Viksit Bharat,” and a technology review presentation under the theme “My Tech Pick.” A special inter-collegiate quiz competition on “Indian Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare” was conducted for student teams from participating colleges. Hosted by Dr. T. Sivakumar, Subject Matter Specialist (Agrl. Entomology), ICAR-KVK, Alappuzha, the quiz featured four interactive rounds covering diverse aspects of Indian agriculture, agricultural policies, scientific innovations and farmer welfare programmes.

The seminar concluded with a valedictory session, marking the successful completion of a day filled with scientific deliberations, knowledge sharing and academic interaction. The entire programme was organized under the aegis of the Study Circle of ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, with Dr. S. Indhuja and Dr. Jilu V. Sajan serving as the Organizing Secretaries.