Welcome
to
National Symposium on
Technological Advancements: Emerging Trends in Entomology
(Hybrid Mode)

The National Symposium on Technological Advancements: Emerging Trends in Entomology (ESI-2025) shall be organized by the Entomological Society of India (ESI) in collaboration with the Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, Srinagar-190025 (UT of Jammu and Kashmir) India. The symposium will focus on the theme “Emerging Trends in Entomology”, involving large participations of faculty/ students. The symposium aims to provide a vibrant platform for addressing contemporary research challenges in the fields of Entomology and Plant Protection. The event will feature plenary lectures, technical sessions, and panel discussions highlighting the latest innovations, emerging research trends, and practical solutions to key issues in Entomology, designed to foster a spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The symposium brings together students, young researchers, educators, and professionals from across the country. The event shall also provide an opportunity to create an enriching environment where aspiring Scientists can enhance their understanding of insects and other arthropods, share their work, and build lasting professional networks. In addition, the symposium will host the “Agri Idea Contest”, an exciting competition tailored for postgraduate students. Participants will showcase their innovative ideas and solutions in the field of agriculture and Entomology, with the best entries receiving attractive cash prizes.

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) is a multi-campus, multi-disciplinary and research-intensive university, with 6 academic campuses, 10 KVKs and 12 Research Stations. Over the years, since its establishment in 1982, SKUAST-K has emerged among top agricultural universities in the country in teaching, research, outreach and innovations. Presently it ranks as 4th best among 70 State Agricultural Universities, 1st in Innovations among all SAUs in the band of 11-50, and 1st in Innovation and Start-ups among 11 universities in J&K. SKUAST-K has earned 24 patents in the last 4 years including 8 patents in the first 2 months of 2024. During the same period, it has produced 26 Start-ups with Technology Readiness Levels of 5 to 8. These patents and start-ups, shared by the Students and Faculty, reflect the true mission of the University of churning the bright, innovative Next Gen Global Leaders. Inter-alia, SKUAST-K is at the core of the food, nutritional and economic security mission of the state. Our Shalimar Rice-4 (SR-4 variety) is a revolutionary one, with productivity levels 110 q/ha compared to national average of 25 q/ha. We have developed the first Kashmir Basmat Rice variety (a medium fine grain) with better aroma than any national variety, revived and commercialized our own landraces like Mushkbudgi and Zag rice variety, transformed our horti-sector from traditional to high density with 6-fold productivity from 10 to 60 t/ha. Similarly, SKUAST-K has made tremendous strides in all other fields viz veterinary and animal sciences, forestry, fisheries, agricultural engineering, food science, environmental sciences, sericulture and other allied sciences. From here on, we aim to take a big leap to make J&K a model Bio-economy state of the country. Holistic Agricultural Developmental Project, approved at a cost of Rs 5013 Crore by Hon’ble Lt Governor J&K and dedicated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, was conceptualized, and scripted at SKUAST-K. To boost our agri-exports, we have framed JK EXIM Policy, as a guideline for the state and all stakeholders. For global competitiveness, SKUASTK is at forefront in embracing emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, IoTs and Automation, Precision and Smart Agriculture, Speed Breeding, Gene Editing through CRISPR Cas, genetically engineered vaccines, Regenerative Medicine using Stem Cell Technologies, Regenerative and Conservation Technologies. Integrated Pest & Disease Management and Integrated Nutrition Management, through development of bio-control agents, bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, is our renewed approach for protecting the soil, environment and human health.

Division of Entomology
Established in 1982, the Division of Entomology is dedicated to mission-oriented basic and applied research focused on the management of insect pests affecting agri-horticultural crops, particularly under the temperate conditions of the Kashmir Valley. The Division’s core mandate includes research, extension, and human resource development in the field of entomology. Its team of scientists is actively engaged in teaching, research, and extension activities covering diverse areas such as insect pest biodiversity, biosystematics, biology, ecology, biocontrol, biochemical and molecular interactions in host-parasite relationships, molecular characterization of insect pests and nematodes, and the study of entomopathogenic nematodes and integrated pest management strategies. Recognized as one of the leading entomological research centres in the country, the Division also hosts a dedicated Pollination Centre and participates in several All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP), including those on Biological Control, Honey Bees, and Pollinators. In addition to its research endeavours, the Division plays a vital role in undergraduate and postgraduate education, while also providing expert advice and technical support to the farming community.

The Entomological Society of India (ESI) was founded in 1938 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act 1957 as extended to the Union territory of Delhi under Registration No. S. 2434 of 1963-64 dt 12.3.1964. It is registered with NITI Aayog under unique ID of VO/NGO-DL/2016/0104219. It is one of the largest professional societies in India serving entomologists and researchers in related disciplines. The main objective of the Society is to encourage and promote the dissemination of entomological knowledge. It arranges meetings of entomologists at the headquarters and at various places in India. The annual general body meetings are held regularly along with Conferences/Symposia/Meetings. These meetings provide opportunities to the members and others interested in the subject to keep in touch with the entomological activities.

Symposium Abstract Themes

• Theme-1: Digital Entomology - Insect pest surveillance, pest diagnostics and AI applications.
• Theme-2: Insect Conservation, biodiversity and Climate change impact - Invasive Insect Species: Global Challenges Strategies & Opportunities, Impact of climate change on insect-pests dynamics, Insect-plant interactions in a changing climate.
• Theme-3: Insect Behaviour and Genomics – Semiochemicals, Applications of Omics in Entomology.
• Theme-4: Cutting edge technologies of pest management - Biotechnology and nanotechnology approaches on pest management, Advances in pesticide chemistries, bio-pesticides and microbial pesticides towards green technologies, postharvest storage pest management.
• Theme-5: Commercial Entomology – Insects as food and feed, pollination ecology and food production, silk and lac producing insects.
• Theme-6: Scientific and Industrial Interaction - Policy Frameworks on the Safe and Sustainable Deployment of Eco-Friendly Molecules in Pest Management.

Important Dates

Registration

About Kashmir

SKUAST-Kashmir is well connected by air, roadways and train. The University is around 300 km away from the state summer capital Jammu. The nearest major train station from Jammu is Banihal, approx. 75 km away the Srinagar railway station where from University campus, Shalimar is at a distance of 15 km. Also, regular luxury buses ply from New Delhi/Jammu and Srinagar airport, well connected to all major cities of the country and is 25 km away from the University main campus, Shalimar.