TNAU Marks International Day of Plant Health with a Special Event

TNAU celebrated the International Day of Plant Health at Anna Auditorium with discussions on safe trade and digital technology, involving key international and national speakers.


Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) hosted a commemorative event for International Day of Plant Health on May 12, 2024, at Anna Auditorium. The event, themed “Plant Health, Safe Trade, and Digital Technology,” was organized by the Centre for Plant Protection Studies.



Dr.V.Geethalakshmi, Vice Chancellor of TNAU, presided over the function, emphasizing the critical importance of plant health which faces threats from invasive pests, climate change, and environmental degradation. She called for global cooperation to protect plant vitality, which is integral to human health.

Dr.M.Shanthi, Director of the Centre for Plant Protection Studies, outlined the day's program which included an International webinar on plant health. The webinar featured Dr.B.M.Prasanna, Programme Director (GMP) from CIMMYT, Mexico, who discussed Plant Health Management in the Global South. This was followed by insights on pesticide use from Dr.T.Sonairajan, Assistant Director of CIBRC, Faridabad.

Further, Dr.Y.G.Prasad from ICAR, CICR, Nagpur highlighted the need for digital innovations in cotton farming. Dr.C.Alice R.P.Sujeetha, Director (PBD) of NIPHM Hyderabad, stressed on the importance of plant quarantine regulations for biosecurity in India.

In addition to the lectures, Dr.V.Geethalakshmi awarded cash prizes to the winners of photography, drawing, and essay competitions held to increase awareness on plant health.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr.K.Angappan, Professor & Head, Department of Plant Pathology at TNAU.



Approximately 450 postgraduate students, research fellows, and scientists participated in the event, benefiting from both in-person and online sessions.

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