Bridging Science and Soil: NAAS Palampur Chapter Kicks Off with Vision and Collaboration
The inaugural meeting of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) Palampur Regional Chapter was held on September 24, 2025, at the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, under the guidance of NAAS, New Delhi.
This milestone event marks a significant stride in NAAS’s mission to deepen its grassroots presence and strengthen policy engagement across diverse agro-climatic regions. The newly formed regional chapters are envisioned as dynamic platforms for crafting region-specific policy recommendations and tackling both local and national agricultural challenges.
In his welcome address, Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT and NAAS Fellow, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange among NAAS Fellows. He emphasized the role of regional chapters in aligning scientific research with the unique needs of Himalayan agriculture.
Dr. Ram Kumar Sharma, Chief Scientist at CSIR-IHBT, NAAS Fellow, and Convenor of the Palampur Chapter, laid out a strategic roadmap for the chapter’s future. His presentation focused on impactful academic initiatives and outreach programs tailored to the region’s agricultural landscape.
The meeting brought together a distinguished group of NAAS Fellows from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh, including:
- Dr. P.L. Gautam
- Prof. Sudhir K. Sopory
- Prof. P.K. Khosla
- Dr. C.L. Acharya
- Dr. S.K. Sharma
- Dr. Pradeep Sharma
- Dr. Manoj Dhar
- Dr. Ranjodh Singh
- Dr. D.P. Abrol
- Dr. A.K. Sharma
- Dr. A.K. Choudhary
- Dr. Dharm Pal
NAAS Associates such as Dr. Vishal Acharya and Dr. Tanuja Buckseth also contributed meaningfully to the discussions. The hybrid format of the meeting enabled broader participation from across the region.
The interactive session was rich with insights and forward-thinking suggestions. Key themes included:
- Organizing regional brainstorming sessions
- Publishing policy papers
- Launching targeted initiatives for agriculture, horticulture, and medicinal plant sectors
The deliberations reflected a shared commitment to enhancing the visibility and impact of the Palampur Chapter. The overarching goal remains clear: to support regional farmers, promote evidence-based policymaking, and ensure that science serves the soil it studies.
