PunjabNewsline,Punjab
The Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, successfully conducted a two-day national symposium on “Integration of Multi-Omics and Artificial Intelligence in Plant Biochemistry for Precision Agriculture” on November 10–11, 2025, under the patronage of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari. The event, sponsored by ANRF, drew enthusiastic participation from nearly 120 Ph.D. scholars and postgraduate students from institutions across the country.
The symposium commenced with an inspiring inaugural lecture by Chief Guest Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, IHBT, Palampur, who elaborated on the integration of transcriptomics, metabolomics, and genome editing for crop improvement, with insights from his research on saffron, quinoa, and Picrorhiza.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari underscored the deep interconnection between education and agriculture. He highlighted the emerging concept of precision agriculture and observed that future research will increasingly converge on precision diet and nutrition.
Organizing Secretary Dr. Baljinder Singh Gill welcomed the dignitaries, introduced the symposium theme, and expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest and the Vice Chancellor for their continued guidance and support.
The two-day event featured cutting-edge expert lectures by eminent scientists who provided deep insights into multi-omics and AI-driven advancements in plant sciences. Dr. Ashis K. Nandi, Professor at the School of Life Sciences, JNU, New Delhi, elaborated on the role of histone demethylases and microRNAs in systemic acquired resistance in plants. Dr. Priyanka Siwach from CDLU, Sirsa, and Dr. Santosh Upadhyay from Panjab University, Chandigarh, jointly discussed cotton viral diseases and emerging AI-based strategies for their management. Dr. Kulwinder Kaur Gill, Principal Agrometeorologist at PAU Ludhiana, spoke on the applications of artificial intelligence in addressing climate change challenges. Dr. Sarvajeet Singh Gill from M.D. University, Rohtak, highlighted the future potential of AI-powered precision farming, while Dr. Kamaldeep Joshi from UIET, M.D. University, Rohtak, focused on the use of machine learning and AI technologies for early detection of plant diseases.
As part of the academic engagement, poster and quiz competitions were organized, with students participating enthusiastically. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three winners in each category.
The symposium concluded with a formal vote of thanks, marking the end of a highly insightful and intellectually stimulating event that successfully brought together multi-omics, artificial intelligence, and plant sciences to promote precision agriculture for sustainable development.