ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology celebrates 13th Foundation Day
Ranchi: ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (ICAR-IIAB), Garkhatanga, Ranchi, celebrated its 13th Foundation Day on 9th October, 2024.
Dr. P. L. Goutam, Former Chairman of PPV&FRA and NBA Chennai, and Former Vice-Chancellor of GBPUA&T was the Chief Guest of the function and Dr. S.C. Dubey, Vice-Chancellor of BAU was the Guest of Honour.
Dr. Sujay Rakshit, Director of the institute in his welcome address highlighted the collaborative spirit among all ICAR establishment in Ranchi as ‘One-ICAR’. He highlighted the unique mandate of ICAR-IIAB to work at the interphase of plant, animal, fish, and microbial research.
The institute is extensively involved in academic programme offering B.Tech. (Biotechnology), M.Sc. in five and Ph.D. in three subjects. The institute has rich diversity of students from different corners of the country. Till date 30 students have completed PG courses from the institute and 70 students are pursuing their courses. Dr. S.C. Dubey underscored the importance of collaborative research between ICAR and BAU in Jharkhand towards climate-resilient agriculture, rainfed agriculture, functional genomics, and the utilization of soil microbial populations to enhance agricultural productivity.
Dr. P.L. Goutam reflected on the challenges faced by the country during pre- and first few decades of post-independence era feeding its population. He emphasized the pivotal role of research in achieving self-sufficiency in food production, and not the country in food surplus. He highlighted the potential of robotics and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of agriculture and addressed the challenges posed by global warming. He urged the incorporation of synthetic biology in research.
Best performing staffs were honoured on the occasion. Highlight of the function was participation of high school students in the programme and sharing their ideas on challenges on agriculture and what they expect the nation to look in 2047. The students had first hand exposure on the field and laboratory research being carried out at the institute. One participating student shared her feelings “I am thrilled to see such advanced laboratory for the first time. It has inspired me to take up my career in biological research”.
On the occasion an interface meeting with the institute and industry in animal sector was also organised. Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Commissioner, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Govt. of India addressed the meeting as the chief guest. He stressed upon the need to develop cost effective technologies for disease diagnosis, prevention and improving production in livestock sector. Fifteen representatives from 12 industries joined the programme.
Dr. Sujay Rakshit, Director, ICAR-IIAB highlighted the need to address the issue of aflatoxin in a comprehensive manner as it has cross spectrum impact encompassing plants, animals as well as human health, and it is one among the most important component under one-health scenario. Following are the areas came out to be focused in future research: zoonotic disease surveillance in animals, preparedness for future pandemic, and detection of all important protozoal agents like babesiosis, theileriosis, anaplasmosis, and trypanosomiasis in single platform for better management of blood protozoal diseases, development of micronutrients supplements and fodder/silage variety among others.
