The CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, organized a one-day conclave on “Societal Connect: Empowering Agri-Enterprises – Bridging Science, Sustainability and Society” at its Bhatnagar Auditorium.

The conclave was inaugurated by Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, MSSRF, Chennai, who highlighted the importance of building capacity to add value to agricultural and allied products—whether vegetables, fruits, fish, or other produce. She emphasized the need to move beyond a cereal-centric approach to identify diverse nutritional sources for ensuring food and nutritional security. She reiterated that technology transfer to entrepreneurs and farmers can create measurable societal impact, strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring healthier nutrition pathways. The foundation for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), they stressed, must be built on good nutrition from supported by science, sustainability, and innovation. "These kinds of Conclaves and Workshops are the urgent need for scientific literacy, especially in a time when social media influences can often mislead public perceptions about nutrition and agriculture. By connecting science with society, such workshops help promote evidence-based knowledge and sustainable practices” she said.

She recalled her tenure at the World Health Organization as its first Chief Scientist stating that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the guiding phrase was “Science: Solutions and Solidarity,” underlining that solutions to such global crises can come only from science. She highlighted that the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines was possible solely because of long-term investments in science and research.

Presiding over the workshop, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, emphasized that India must focus on increasing its agricultural and food product exports through value addition, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He noted that by strengthening agri-enterprises, the nation can enhance global competitiveness while ensuring domestic nutritional security.

Prof. H.N. Mishra, Emeritus Professor, IIT Kharagpur was the Guest of Honor for the event. Experts from NIFTEM Thanjavur, Spices Research Institute, Coconut Development Board, NABARD, IIT Kharagpur, along with scientists from CSIR-NIIST, delivered technical sessions on agricultural innovation, value-addition technologies, and enterprise development.

Dr. K.V. Radhakrishnan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIIST, welcomed the gathering, while Shri C.K. Chandrakanth, Senior Principal Scientist and Coordinator of the event, proposed the vote of thanks.

The programme was designed for individuals, self-employed professionals, and enterprises engaged in agriculture and allied sectors. Participants were also given exposure visits to the Incubation Centre, bakery unit, and pilot plant at CSIR-NIIST, showcasing technologies ready for transfer to entrepreneurs and farmers.

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