ICRISAT
Happenings In-house Newsletter
26 April 2013 No. 1568
15 March 2013
Dr Munagala S Reddy, Professor, Auburn University, USA and Chairman of the Asian PGPR Society presenting a token of appreciation to DG William Dar at the 3rd Asian Conference on PGPR and other Microbials held in Manila, Philippines. Looking on is Asian PGPR Society President Dr YR Sarma.
Promoting Rhizobacteria-based bioproducts for smallholder farmers “Amid the depletion of non-renewable resources, accumulation of toxic residues, development of pesticide resistance and resurgence of secondary pests, further food production increases must be generated by the sustained use of ecologically sound, socially equitable, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable technologies such as Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)based bioproducts.”
T
ackling the challenge for agriculture to produce more food to meet the demands of a growing population and the role of smallholder farming in attaining a food-secure world, Director General William D. Dar spoke at the 3rd Asian Conference on Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and other Microbials on 21-24 April in Manila, Philippines. In his keynote address, Dr Dar emphasized the vital role of PGPR-based products such as biofertilizers and biopesticides in sustainable agriculture. “We have to ensure that smallholder farming systems benefit from
science-based innovations for improved productivity and resilience to harsh environments. At the same time, food security should not be accomplished at the cost of environmental health and biodiversity. Extending the science of PGPR for the benefit of smallholder farmers is the key,” he emphasized. Dr Dar added that bioproducts are particularly beneficial to resource-poor, smallholder farmers in the dryland tropics. Biological options for crop protection and production mitigate the increasing cost and negative effects of pesticides and fertilizers to page 2 ...4