Science Empowers Farmers for Healthier Crop Production

On December 7, 2023, Dr. Mohana Krishna Reddy Mudiam, Director of the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT) in Gurugram, emphasized the critical role of science in enhancing agricultural practices during a lecture at the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF-2025) curtain raiser in Nagpur. Speaking on the topic “Lab to Land: Agrochemicals for Sustainable Agriculture,” he highlighted advancements that aid farmers in producing healthier crops.

Dr. Mudiam explained the journey of agrochemicals, detailing their development and the pathways that lead to their use in agriculture. He traced the evolution from basic elemental sulphur to contemporary synthetic variants, and now to biopesticides and precision agriculture techniques. His focus was on the increasing demand for eco-friendly formulations derived from natural extracts, which aim to mitigate the environmental impact of traditional pesticides.

Insights from the Science Community

The event, hosted at the NEERI auditorium, featured notable attendees including Dr. S Venkata Mohan, Director of CSIR-NEERI, and several prominent scientists from the region. In his welcome address, Dr. Venkata Mohan discussed NEERI’s participation in the circular economy theme for IISF-2025. He referenced a study published in Nature, which indicated that human-made materials have surpassed global biomass, signifying the urgent need for sustainable practices.

With projections suggesting that nearly 70% of the global population will reside in urban areas by 2050, Dr. Venkata Mohan underscored the shift required from traditional linear economic models to more sustainable circular economies. He also showcased NEERI’s contributions to both industry and society, demonstrating various scientific and technological advancements to attendees.

During the program, 332 students from seven schools across Nagpur and the Vidarbha region toured NEERI’s laboratories and the Harit Sangrahalaya. Scientists engaged with the students, sharing insights into environmental science and engineering, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of these critical fields.

Looking Ahead to IISF-2025

Naresh Chafekar provided an overview of the upcoming IISF-2025, scheduled to take place from December 6 to 9 in Panchkula–Chandigarh. He described the festival as a platform aimed at bridging the gap between science and society, promoting sustainable consumption and India-centric progress.

Key thematic events were outlined by Dr. Prakash Itankar, while Dr. Panini Telang discussed the International Olympiad Students Meet. Dr. R Ramakrishnan highlighted the importance of integrating knowledge, science, and technology as the foundation for progress. Additionally, Dr. Hemant Pande spoke about workshops designed for science educators and teachers.

The proceedings were expertly managed by Dr. Kavita Gandhi, Senior Principal Scientist at NEERI, while Dr. Prakash Kumbhare offered the closing vote of thanks. This event not only showcased scientific achievements but also engaged the community in meaningful discussions about sustainable practices in agriculture and beyond.