Biosecurity risks and mitigation strategies in horticultural crops: Insights from the national seminar (NSBR 2026)

Authors

  • Regi Jacob Thomas ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam 690 533, Kerala, India
  • A. Josephrajkumar ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam 690 533, Kerala, India
  • Jilu V. Sajan ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam 690 533, Kerala, India
  • S. Indhuja ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam 690 533, Kerala, India
  • K. M. Anes ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam 690 533, Kerala, India
  • Merin Babu ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam 690 533, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25081/jpc.2026.v54.i2.10120

Abstract

The National Seminar on "Biosecurity Risks and Mitigation Strategies in Horticultural Crops" (NSBR 2026) was organized by ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Regional Station, Kayamkulam, Kerala from 22 to 24 April 2026. The three-day national event addressed critical biosecurity threats posed by invasive alien species, transboundary phytopathogens, and climate-induced pest outbreaks impacting horticultural and plantation ecosystems. Emphasizing a holistic "One Health" paradigm, the seminar comprised keynote addresses, award lectures, thematic technical sessions, a cruise workshop on biosecurity outreach, and panel discussions. Over 120 delegates representing 35 institutes and organizations, including national research institutes, state agricultural universities, policy bodies, and progressive farming communities, deliberated on biosecurity governance, diagnostic innovations, and field-level mitigation strategies. Key outcomes included the launch of bio-suppression technologies, technical bulletins, and recommendations advocating for the revival of the Agricultural Biosecurity Bill and establishment of the Agricultural Biosecurity Authority of India (ABAI).

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References

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Published

23-10-2026

How to Cite

Thomas, R. J., Josephrajkumar , A., Sajan, J. V., Indhuja, S., Anes, K. M., & Babu, M. (2026). Biosecurity risks and mitigation strategies in horticultural crops: Insights from the national seminar (NSBR 2026). Journal of Plantation Crops, 54(2), 68–72. https://doi.org/10.25081/jpc.2026.v54.i2.10120

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Section

Research Articles