Women’s role in R&D highlighted on NRCB Science Day

Trichy: The ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR-NRCB) observed National Science Day under the nationwide theme ‘Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat.' highlighting women's role in India's growth in science and technology.The institute organized an ‘Open Day' to allow public and stakeholders to explore its research activities, ongoing projects, and developed products. More than 2,500 students from over 35 schools and colleges in Trichy, Karur, Thanjavur, and Pudukottai participated, along with over 300 banana farmers, entrepreneurs, and members of the general public.Chief guest M D Gowrisankar, director of the Office of International and Interagency Cooperation at Isro, Bengaluru, spoke about Isro's key achievements in space research and the exciting career opportunities available for young people.He particularly emphasized Isro's ongoing work on the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and highlighted the significant contributions of women engineers to this ambitious project, underscoring the vital role women play in advancing space science and technology.R Selvarajan, director of ICAR-NRCB, discussed advancements in gene-editing technology and stressed how scientific progress in agriculture has turned India from a food-deficient nation into one with surplus production.To align with the theme, women scientists from various ICAR-NRCB divisions presented special lectures on key breakthroughs in banana research, covering quality planting material production, biotechnology applications, breeding techniques, improved production methods, and the role of fungi.The event featured more than 40 scientific demonstrations and over 100 exhibits tailored for students, along with a display of diverse banana varieties, including ICAR-NRCB-developed cultivars, popular types, local landraces, and wild germplasm.Exhibition stalls showcased banana-based value-added products, tissue culture plants, ornamental plants, and various agricultural inputs to benefit both students and farmers.