Youth Forum on Futuristic and Innovative Ideas in Plant Genetic Resources Management: Shaping the Future of Agrobiodiversity
National Symposium on Harnessing Plant Genetic Resources of Peninsular India (NSPPI-2026)
17–19 September 2026 | ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru
The future of agriculture depends on our ability to conserve, understand, and effectively utilize the immense wealth of plant genetic resources that underpin food security, nutritional diversity, and climate resilience. As global agriculture confronts challenges such as climate change, genetic erosion, emerging pests and diseases, and the loss of traditional crop diversity, there is an urgent need to encourage innovative thinking and active participation from the next generation of scientists.
To inspire young minds and harness their creativity, the National Symposium on Harnessing Plant Genetic Resources of Peninsular India (NSPPI-2026) is organising a Youth Forum on Futuristic and Innovative Ideas in Plant Genetic Resources Management as part of Technical Session IV on 19 September 2026 at ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru.
A Platform for Young Innovators
The Youth Forum has been conceived as a national platform where talented postgraduate students can present visionary ideas, innovative concepts, and transformative approaches for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Plant Genetic Resources (PGR). The initiative seeks to nurture scientific creativity, interdisciplinary thinking, and leadership among young researchers while promoting collaboration between students and leading experts in biodiversity conservation, crop improvement, and sustainable agriculture.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to interact with eminent scientists, plant breeders, conservationists, policymakers, and innovators attending NSPPI-2026. These interactions are expected to stimulate new ideas, encourage collaborative research, and strengthen future research careers in plant genetic resources management.
Themes of the Youth Forum
The forum invites innovative ideas and futuristic perspectives under the following themes:
- Exploring Biodiversity Hotspots and Hidden Genetic Wealth for Future Food Security
- Harnessing Genetic Diversity for Crop Improvement, Nutrition and Resilience
- Safeguarding Nature’s Heritage: Innovative Approaches for the Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources
- Empowering Communities through Seed Sovereignty, Traditional Knowledge and Agrobiodiversity Conservation
- Bridging Science, Global Policies, Access and Benefit Sharing, and Farmers’ Rights for Sustainable Management of Genetic Resources
These themes reflect the growing need to integrate scientific innovation, indigenous knowledge, conservation biology, policy frameworks, and community participation to ensure resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are invited from students currently pursuing M.Sc. or Ph.D. programmes in agriculture, horticulture, plant sciences, biotechnology, genetics, biodiversity, and other allied disciplines, including basic sciences, from recognized universities.
Following an online presentation screening, 10 outstanding participants will be selected:
- 5 M.Sc. students
- 5 Ph.D. scholars
The selected participants will be invited to present their innovative ideas during the Youth Forum at NSPPI-2026.
Recognition and Support
To recognise excellence and encourage innovation, Best Presentation Awards will be presented separately in the M.Sc. and Ph.D. categories. Presentations will be evaluated based on originality, scientific merit, innovation potential, practical relevance, and presentation quality.
Selected participants will also receive:
- Travel Allowance (TA/DA)
- Accommodation
- Local hospitality during the symposium
This support aims to enable participation by talented students from across the country and ensure broad representation of innovative ideas.
Why You Should Participate
The Youth Forum is more than a presentation competition. It is an opportunity to:
- Showcase innovative ideas before nationally renowned experts.
- Receive constructive feedback from scientists and policymakers.
- Build professional networks with researchers, breeders, and conservationists.
- Explore future collaborations and research opportunities.
- Gain national recognition for innovative contributions.
- Contribute towards developing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems for the future.
The forum aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by encouraging youth-led innovation for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of India’s invaluable plant genetic resources.
Join the Next Generation of PGR Leaders
If you are passionate about biodiversity conservation, crop improvement, genetic diversity, sustainable agriculture, traditional knowledge, or innovative solutions for the future of agriculture, this is your opportunity to make a difference.
Be among the 10 outstanding young researchers selected to present your ideas before leading experts at NSPPI-2026 and contribute to shaping the future of Plant Genetic Resources Management.
Important Information
Application Deadline: 7th August 2026
Registration Link Youth for PGR:
https://forms.gle/hryMNsgRzdtozwdH7
Contact
Dr. Kuldeep Tripathi
Convenor, Youth Forum
Senior Scientist, Division of Germplasm Evaluation
ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR–NBPGR), New Delhi
Email: kuldeeptripathi-icar@nic.in
Alternate Email: kdtripathi89@gmail.com