Food production could be doubled by 2047 by harnessing advances in genomics, Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, said in Coimbatore on Monday.
Efficient use of resources and quality enhancement constitute the other advantages of genomics, Dr. Lal said, inaugurating the sixth International Conference on Plant Physiology (ICPP) at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU).
Highlighting global challenges related to climate change, water, soil, and biodiversity, Dr. Lal also elaborated on plant stress management, carbon capture, water-use efficiency, and innovation-led research, in his inaugural address.
Presiding over, Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board and ISPP president, said that against the backdrop of plant physiology transforming into an integrative science encompassing molecular biology, genomics, and advanced imaging, physiological insights are central to developing resilient cultivars and sustainable technologies essential for long-term food and nutritional security.
R. Thamizh Vendan, Acting Vice-Chancellor, TNAU, underscored the need to shift from descriptive research to predictive and system-level approaches through interdisciplinary collaboration.
The dignitaries released the ICPP 2025 souvenir on the occasion and presented ISPP Awards.
Published – December 15, 2025 07:01 pm IST
