The Indian Society of Weed Science (ISWS), Delhi Chapter, in collaboration with the Division of Agronomy, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, organized a Lecture-cum-Interactive Session on “Herbicide Resistant Crops: Opportunities and Challenges” on 2nd September 2025. The event aimed to foster awareness, build capacity, and provide a platform for meaningful interaction between students, young scientists, and experts in the field of weed science.
The program was moderated by Dr. Ramanjit Kaur, Councilor, ISWS, who welcomed the participants and outlined the purpose of the event. Dr. S.S. Rathore, Head, Division of Agronomy, ICAR-IARI, extended formal greetings and introduced the eminent speaker. Dr. T.K. Das, President, ISWS, delivered the Chairman’s remarks, highlighting the importance of informed discussions on emerging technologies like herbicide resistant crops in the context of sustainable agriculture.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. N. T. Yaduraju, eminent weed scientist, former Director, Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur, and Past President of ISWS. Dr. Yaduraju provided an insightful overview of the global and Indian status of herbicide resistant (HR) crops. He underlined their potential to support conservation agriculture, enable effective weed control, reduce tillage operations, and improve overall farm efficiency.
At the same time, he emphasized the challenges and concerns associated with HR crops, including the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds, biosafety and environmental implications, and socio-economic impacts on small and marginal farmers. He strongly advocated for integrated weed management ([WM) as a sustainable approach, along with stewardship, awareness generation, and regulatory preparedness to ensure responsible use of HR technology in India.
The lecture was followed by a lively interactive session, were students and young researchers raised questions on the future prospects of HR crops, herbicide stewardship, the role of the public sector in developing HR technologies, and environmental safety concerns. The discussion encouraged critical thinking and provided clarity on multiple aspects of HR crop adoption.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Teckam Singh expressing gratitude to Dr. Yaduraju for his valuable insights, the ISWS leadership for their support, and the active participation of students, scientists, and faculty members.
Overall, the program was highly successful in broadening perspectives, enhancing knowledge, and creating awareness on the opportunities and challenges of herbicide resistant crops, thereby contributing to the ongoing efforts of ISWS to promote sustainable weed management in India.