ICAR-NBAIR, Bengaluru Celebrates 34th Foundation Day, Highlights Biological Control for Sustainable Agriculture

19 October 2026, Bengaluru

ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, celebrated its 34th Foundation Day at its Yelahanka campus, highlighting the importance of biological control and sustainable pest management.

The programme was graced by Dr N. K. Krishna Kumar, Former Deputy Director General (Horticulture) and Former Director, ICAR-NBAIR, as the Chief Guest. Dr T. Venkatesan, Director, ICAR-NBAIR, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the Bureau’s achievements, technological advances and commitment to promoting farmer-friendly biocontrol technologies.

Delivering the Foundation Day address, Dr N. K. Krishnakumar emphasised the importance of sustainable agriculture and biological control in producing safe, high-quality agricultural products that meet international market standards and consumer expectations. He stressed the need to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and promote biocontrol-based crop protection to minimise pesticide residue concerns and the risk of agricultural produce being rejected in domestic and international markets. Former Directors Dr Chandish R. Ballal and Dr Abraham Verghese, along with retired senior staff of the Bureau, also participated in the celebration.

The programme featured the release of publications and the distribution of agricultural and biocontrol inputs to farmers under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Castes (DAPSC). A total of 100 farmers from Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts of Karnataka participated in the event. An exhibition showcased ICAR-NBAIR’s biocontrol technologies and agricultural products and the farmers’ interaction session facilitated the exchange of knowledge on sustainable pest management practices.

The celebration reaffirmed ICAR-NBAIR’s commitment to advancing biological control, strengthening farmer outreach and promoting environmentally sustainable crop protection practices to ensure safe agricultural production and improve farmer livelihoods.

(Source: ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru)