Prof. KN Kaul memorial lecture organized on the occasion of National Science Day

CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow celebrated National Science
Day on February 28, 2023. On the occasion, Padma Bhushan Dr. Rajendra Singh
Paroda, Founding Chairman, Trust for Advancement of Agriculture Sciences (TAAS),
New Delhi; Former DG, ICAR, New Delhi & Former Secretary, Department of
Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India was the Chief
Guest and delivered the 6th Prof. KN Kaul Memorial Lecture on “Managing our
Agrobiodiversity”.
Prof. Kailas Nath Kaul was a great Indian botanist, naturalist, agricultural scientist,
horticulturist, herbalist and plant collector. On behalf of the State Government of
Uttar Pradesh, Prof. Kaul originally conceptualized the setup of the National Botanic
Gardens (NBG), currently known as CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute. (It
was taken over by the CSIR in 1953).
Dr. Paroda delivered the Memorial Lecture on "Managing our Agrobiodiversity " and
informed that agrobiodiversity is an integral part of our entire biodiversity, mainly
comprising of cultivated crops/varieties, cattle/livestock, domestic crops, soil and its
internal environment etc. Till now only 10% species are identified in total biodiversity
of the Earth. For global food security, we have to conserve our agrobiodiversity
wealth and promote its sustainable use.
Dr. Paroda informed that according to a study conducted in the year 2004 by
National Bureau of Plant genetic Resource, New Delhi, the food requirement in the
world is interdependent globally. Therefore, we have to create sustainable
development goals for our agrobiodiversity conservation. We have to use traditional
science as well as modern science technologies like Precision Agricultural, National
Safety Gene Bank, Field Gene Bank etc. Dr. Paroda reiterated that We have to think
globally and Act Locally.
On this occasion, Dr. Paroda also released the calendar-2023 of the institute. During
his visit to CSIR-NBRI, he also visited the Botanic Garden, Herbarium and
Exposition facility of the institute.
Earlier, the programme was started with a floral tribute to the Prof. KN Kaul. While
welcoming the guests, Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI commemorated
priceless contribution of Prof. KN Kaul in the field of science.
CSIR-NBRI also opened its labs, Botanic Garden, herbarium, exposition for students
as well as general public on National Science Day. More than 500 individuals
including school/college students, general public visited the CSIR-NBRI and its
facilities during the day.
Dr. PA Shirke, Chief Scientist presented the vote of thanks in the end.

PA Shirke, Chief Scientist