29^th January, 2019, ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi

National Academy of Agricultural Sciences -Varanasi Chapter organized a special lecture on “Feeding 1.37 billion with Nutritional Security: Bigger Challenge” delivered byDr. A.K. Srivastava, Chairman, ASRB, New Delhi & Vice President, NAAS on 29^nd January, 2019, at ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi. During his deliberation, Dr. Srivastava emphasized on nutritional, food and economic security of farmers. He also advised the scientists to develop the climate resilient technologies, which may be helpful to sustain the production to feed the increasing populations. He categorically mentioned for adoption of new technologies like genome editing to keep pace with advance researches being done elsewhere in the world. He stressed for more focussed attention towards developing hybrids in vegetables by public sector and making them available to the farmers at affordable prices. Dr. Gautam Kalloo, Ex VC, JNKAV, Jabalpur and DDG (HS) gave his remarks. On this occasion Fellows, NAAS-Varanasi chapter, Scientists, Technical, Research Associates, SRFs etc. were present.

While visiting technology Park, experimental fields and laboratories of the institute, Dr. Srivastva appreciated the team ICAR-IIVR for excellent works being done at the institute. He was highly impressed with live demonstration of latest vegetable technologies in Technology Park for the benefit of farmers and other stakeholders.

Dr. Bijendra Singh, Convener, NAAS-Varanasi Chapter & Director, ICAR-IIVR, briefed about the ongoing activities of the chapter as well as achievements of the institute, and its impact on farmers.