Special Lecture on “Plant Health and Food Security” Organized at BBAU: Prof. Serge Savary Shared Key Insights

A special lecture on “Plant Health and Food Security” was organized on June 8 at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University under the Eminent Lecture Series, jointly organized by the Eminent Lecture Committee, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), and Sustainable Development Goals Committee. Prof. Serge Savary, Renowned Plant Pathologist and Systems Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief of the Food Security journal attended the event as the Chief Guest. The programme was presided over by the In- Charge Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. S. Victor Babu. Prof. Shilpi Verma, Chairperson of the Eminent Lecture Series Committee and Prof. Naveen Kumar Arora, Chairman of the Sustainable Development Goals Committee were also present on the dais. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tributes to the portrait of Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. Following the University Anthem, the organizing committee welcomed the dignitaries and faculty members by presenting bouquets and saplings. At the beginning, Prof. Shilpi Verma welcomed the participants and introduced them to the objectives and outline of the programme. Thereafter, Prof. Naveen Kumar Arora introduced the Chief Guest, Prof. Serge Savary. The programme was moderated by Dr. Preeti Gupta.

In his lecture, Prof. Serge Savary discussed various types of plant injuries and the mechanisms through which diseases and pests cause damage to crops. He elaborated on generic modelling frameworks used in research, injury assessment functions, and approaches to address challenges such as the shortage of field data. He also explained the concepts of plant disease epidemiology, the process of understanding epidemics, and its major objectives. Furthermore, Prof. Savary emphasized that food security is fundamental to the evolution and stability of human societies. He shared his views on interdisciplinary approaches in agricultural research, geographical heterogeneity, and the major pillars of food security, including food availability, food access, food protection, and stability. He also discussed several issues affecting food systems, such as value chains, standardization of food products, the impacts of wars and conflicts, and challenges arising from short-term policies. He stressed the need for scientific research, effective policies, and collective efforts to ensure food security.

Addressing the gathering, In-charge Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Victor Babu stated that India is an agrarian nation where a large proportion of the population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture. Appreciating the contribution of farmers to food production, he remarked that food is the foundation of human life and therefore every citizen has a responsibility to prevent its wastage. He highlighted the importance of food security and emphasized the need to ensure the availability of safe, quality, and sufficient food for all. He also encouraged everyone to adopt a balanced and nutritious diet, promote a healthy lifestyle, and remain conscious of their health and well-being.

During the interactive session, students and faculty members raised several important questions related to food security and plant health. The Chief Guest responded in detail, shedding light on various dimensions of the subject and addressing the participants’ queries.

The programme concluded with the presentation of a memento and shawl to the Chief Guest as a token of gratitude from the organizing committee. Dr. Preeti Gupta delivered the vote of thanks. Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, non-teaching officers and staff, and research scholars from various faculties were present during the programme.