Symposium on Plant Genetic Resources: A Milestone Event in Climate Change and Food Security
In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, ICARDA, and other collaborators, Uzbekistan’s Research Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (RIPGR) recently hosted an international symposium commemorating the 100th anniversary of RIPGR’s establishment.
The symposium, themed “The role of plant genetic resources in ensuring food security under climate change,” took place from 7 – 9 November 2024 in the country’s capital, Tashkent, attracting 200 participants from over 20 countries, including international scientists, professors, doctoral students, and representatives from government and public organizations.
ICARDA sponsored the event to celebrate its 25-year collaboration with RIPGR, which annually provides Uzbekistan with about 1,000 accessions of improved wheat germplasm and more than 2,000 accessions of various agricultural crops through international nurseries. The integration of these enhanced germplasms into national breeding programs has led to the development of more than 20 new and more resilient varieties of bread wheat, durum, barley, chickpeas, and lentils. These promising varieties consistently produce higher yields and are now sown on thousands of hectares across Uzbekistan.
This symposium tackled crucial topics concerning the preservation and utilization of plant genetic resources, emphasizing the pivotal role of ensuring a wide genepool to allow for the future development of climate-smart crops for ensuring food security amid the challenges posed by climate change. Discussions delved into conservation strategies resilient to climate change and emphasized the contribution of diverse plant genetic resources to sustainable agriculture and food production. Additionally, experts shared insights on innovative biotechnological approaches for effectively studying and utilizing plant genetic resources.
At the opening, ICARDA was represented by Dr. Akmal Akramkhanov, Regional Manager for Central Asia and the Caucasus. Additionally, Dr. Zakaria Kehel, ICARDA's Genetic Resources Research Team Leader, shared his expertise on plant genetic resources, and Dr. Safaa Kumari, Head of ICARDA's Seed Health Lab and Plant Virologist, presented her experiences with the Phytosanitary Management of ICARDA’s germplasm seed collections. Dr. Ram Sharma Chandra, an ICARDA Wheat Breeder based in Tashkent, then shared insights on the productive history of collaboration between the RIPGR and ICARDA.
The symposium provided a platform for knowledge sharing and fostered international cooperation to address global food security and climate change challenges. As participants exchanged ideas and experiences, it became clear that the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources are vital for a sustainable future. This event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity while ensuring food security for future generations.
