Campus Times| Lucknow

A three-day Rural Science Congress 2026 focusing on “Sustainable Rural Transformation through Science, Technology and Management” began on March 9 at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU). The event is jointly organized by the university’s Department of Management Studies and the Prof. H. S. Srivastava Foundation for Science and Society and will continue till March 11.

Chairing the inaugural session, Acting Vice-Chancellor Sunita Mishra highlighted the role of science, technology and government support in accelerating rural development. She stressed that combining traditional rural knowledge with modern technologies such as nanotechnology and artificial intelligence can significantly improve agriculture, nutrition, and rural livelihoods.

Environmental Challenges

Chief Guest Pramod Tandon, former Vice-Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University and CEO of Biotech Park Lucknow, said India’s real progress depends on the holistic development of villages. He emphasized the potential of agriculture, rural entrepreneurship and MSMEs in strengthening the rural economy and increasing agricultural exports.

Experts also discussed public health, environmental challenges and scientific research in agriculture. Suryakant warned about rising air pollution as an “invisible killer,” while Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, spoke about the importance of plant immunity and bioactive compounds for agriculture and medicine.

The inaugural session also saw the release of a book titled “Mere Bheetar aur Bahar Ek Prithvi” by Rana Pratap Singh. The congress will feature special lectures, award lectures, and cultural performances, bringing together researchers, academicians, and students to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable rural development.