1. Exploration, Documentation and Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources in Peninsular India
- Systematic exploration, inventory, geo-referencing and digital mapping of plant genetic resources (PGR) across the Western and Eastern Ghats, Deccan Plateau, and coastal ecosystems
- In situ, on-farm and ex situ conservation strategies including field gene banks, seed banks and cryopreservation
- Conservation of crop wild relatives, endemic, threatened and underutilized species
- Integration of indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary conservation science
- Application of AI, GIS, remote sensing and machine learning in germplasm management and biodiversity monitoring
2. Characterization, Evaluation and Genomic Interventions for Sustainable Utilization
- Morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization of plant genetic resources
- Evaluation for agronomic performance, nutritional quality, climate resilience and stress tolerance
- Genomics-assisted breeding, molecular markers and functional genomics
- Gene editing and precision breeding for trait enhancement
- Digital databases, big data analytics and bioinformatics tools in PGR research
- Translational research linking germplasm diversity to crop improvement and bioresource development
3. Policy Frameworks, Biosecurity, IPR and Access & Benefit Sharing (ABS)
- National and international policy frameworks governing PGR conservation and exchange
- Implementation of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA), Biological Diversity Act, and related legislations
- Biosecurity, quarantine and phytosanitary regulations
- Protection of traditional knowledge and farmers’ rights
- Equitable benefit-sharing models and ethical bioprospecting
- Strengthening institutional and community partnerships for sustainable governance
4. Capacity Building, Community Participation and Knowledge Systems
- Community-led conservation models and participatory breeding approaches
- Documentation and validation of traditional agro-biodiversity practices
- Role of academic institutions, NGOs and civil society in PGR outreach
- Digital platforms and knowledge-sharing networks
- Youth engagement, women empowerment and entrepreneurship in PGR sectors
- Education and awareness strategies for sustainable bioresource management
5. Innovation, Bioeconomy and Livelihood Enhancement
- Value addition, processing and branding of PGR-based products
- Development of nutraceuticals, herbal formulations and plant-based bio-products
- Start-up ecosystems and incubation support in PGR utilization
- Promotion of traditional varieties and underutilized crops for niche markets
- Public–private partnerships in sustainable bioresource commercialization
- Success stories and scalable models in biodiversity-based livelihood generation
Categories of Presentations
Keynote Lectures
Eminent scientists from across India, along with policymakers and administrators, will be invited to deliver keynote lectures on various thematic areas related to plant genetic resources. Each keynote lecture will be of 15–20 minutes duration. Speakers will be requested to submit a 3–4 page extended summary of their lecture for inclusion in the symposium proceedings.
Invited Lectures
Invited lectures will consist of concise presentations of 10–15 minutes, highlighting emerging technologies and recent scientific advancements in the field of plant genetic resource (PGR) management. Invited speakers will also be requested to submit 3–4 page extended summaries of their presentations for inclusion in the proceedings.
Contributory / Oral Papers
Submitted papers will be reviewed and shortlisted by a designated committee based on the significance of the topic and its relevance to the symposium sub-themes. Authors of selected papers will be informed in advance and invited to deliver a brief oral presentation of 5–6 minutes during the symposium sessions.
Poster Presentations
Selected contributions may also be presented in the form of posters. Posters should follow the specified dimensions of 60” (L) × 36” (W) and should use clear scientific formatting and appropriate font sizes to ensure readability.
Best Oral / Poster Awards
An expert panel will evaluate the oral and poster presentations under each thematic area to identify and recognize outstanding contributions. Best Oral Presentation and Best Poster Presentation awards will be presented. Certificates of participation will be provided to all registered participants.