Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 22 (UNI) A two-day international conference focused on advancing the conservation of agricultural biodiversity and promoting sustainable food systems began at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, on Monday.
The Kerala Agro Biodiversity Conference 2025 (KAbCon-2025) is jointly organised by the Kerala Agricultural University and the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) and is being held on December 22 and 23. The biodiversity policy formulation workshop and the concluding session of the conference, scheduled for December 23, will be inaugurated by Agriculture Minister P Prasad.
The conference aims to bridge traditional knowledge systems with modern science and technology to strengthen agro-biodiversity conservation and build resilient and sustainable food systems. It features expert panels comprising leading scientists, policymakers and farmer representatives from India and abroad.
Academic and policy-level deliberations, along with research paper presentations, are focusing on key themes such as sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and food and nutrition security. The event is being held in conjunction with several landmark milestones, including the 20th anniversary of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, the 70th anniversary of the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, the 80th anniversary of the World Health Organisation, World Food Day, and the birth centenary of Prof M S Swaminathan.
In addition to technical sessions, the conference includes a seed fair, farmer experience-sharing sessions, model agro-biodiversity field visits and cultural programmes. The organisers said the conference is expected to make a significant contribution to strengthening agro-biodiversity conservation efforts in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The inaugural session, held at the college indoor stadium, was inaugurated by Kerala State Planning Board Vice-Chairperson V K Ramachandran. Kerala Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor B Ashok (IAS) presided over the function, while the Chief Minister’s Scientific Adviser Padma M C Dathan delivered the keynote address.
Former Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Trilochan Mohapatra, released the conference compendium. As part of the programme, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister J Chinchu Rani will honour nearly 70 farmers for their significant contributions to conserving traditional seed varieties in Kerala. Further details are available at www.kabcon2025.com.UNI DS PPP SSP