New Delhi, November 25, 2025: The second day of the Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC–2025) witnessed a vibrant confluence of global scientific leadership, policy thinkers, innovators, industry partners, and young researchers, reinforcing the Congress theme: “Re-envisioning Agronomy for Smart Agri-Food Systems and Environmental Stewardship.”
The day opened with an inspiring Plenary Lecture by Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT, Mexico. His talk, “Changing landscapes: Science and strategy for a food secure future,” highlighted the transformation required in global agri-food systems to ensure sustainability, equity, and resilience. The session was chaired by eminent agricultural leader Dr. Panjab Singh.
A major attraction of Day 2 was a special session on Public–Private Synergies for Strengthening Agronomy, led by OCP Nutricrop. Keynote speaker emphasized the role of data-driven agronomy in bridging yield gaps. Speakers from OCP, IFFCO, Corteva, and international universities presented cutting-edge perspectives on nano-fertilizers, soil engineering, climate-proofing soil health, and new models of agronomic collaboration. A high-level panel discussion brought together academia and industry to chart pathways for future partnerships in agronomic research.
Additionally, eight simultaneous symposia captured the multidimensional frontiers of agronomy:
Precision Input Management & One Health – Discussions on drones, sub-surface drip irrigation, smart farming, crop diagnostics, and real-time monitoring technologies.
Harnessing Genetic Potential for Food & Nutritional Security – Advances in pre-breeding, biofortification, herbicide-tolerant varieties, and climate-resilient germplasm.
Energy-Efficient Mechanization & Digital Solutions – AI-enabled tools, sensor-based soil mapping, drone-based weed management, and integrated modelling tools.
Biotic & Abiotic Stress Management – Innovations in herbicide protocols, residue management, climate resilience, and integrated weed management strategies.
Gender Empowerment & Livelihood Diversification – Policy, technology, and capacity-building approaches for women-centric farming systems.
Corporate–Policy–Civil Society Interface – Strengthening agri-innovation ecosystems, public–private partnerships, and next-generation agrochemical technologies.
IRRI Special Session on DSR – Breakthroughs in scaling Direct Seeded Rice, emission reduction potentials, carbon credits, and enabling policy frameworks.
Spotlight Symposium: Young Researchers’ Innovation Dialogue – Showcasing emerging agronomists’ innovations in soil carbon, digital agriculture, integrated systems, sustainability, and climate resilience.
The evening Plenary Lecture by Dr. Rajbir Singh, DDG (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, focused on “Insights and learnings for agronomic innovations: Reflections from VKSA 2025”, connecting farmer-led innovations with institutional research strategies. The day concluded with the General Body Meeting of the Indian Society of Agronomy.
