TERI Leads Global Dialogue on Sustainable Agri-Input Innovation at AISAC-2025
Experts emphasize nanotechnology and bio-based solutions to drive climate-resilient agriculture
Gurugram, November 12, 2025: The International Conference on “Agri-Inputs for Sustainable Agriculture and Climate” (AISAC-2025) opened today at TERI Gram, Gurugram, with an emphatic call to harness nanotechnology and bio-based agri-inputs for achieving climate-resilient and environmentally responsible farming systems. Hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) under its Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP), the three-day global conference brings together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and regulators from India and abroad to deliberate on the future of agri-inputs, policy frameworks, and technology dissemination for sustainable agriculture.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed participation from leading voices in the agri-input sector, including Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Food & Supplies and Environment, Forest & Wildlife, Government of NCT of Delhi; Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General, The Fertiliser Association of India; and Mr Abhay Baijal, Managing Director, Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd.
In his special message, Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Minister of Industries, Food & Supplies and Environment, Forest & Wild Life shared, “Food security is not merely a matter of sustenance. It is a foundation for peace, prosperity, and human dignity. In the face of global climate change, ensuring sustainable and equitable access to food has become one of the greatest challenges of our time… May AISAC 2025 serve as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, fostering learning, creativity, and global understanding.”
Delivering the welcome address through a recorded message, Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, highlighted the need for balancing innovation and regulation to ensure that agri-input advancements contribute both to productivity and environmental sustainability. “The importance of these smart agri-inputs lies not just in increasing productivity but in protecting the future of our planet. By adopting next-generation agri-inputs, we can ensure that our farmers remain competitive and resilient, even as climate change poses new challenges,” said Dr Dhawan.
In his opening remarks, Mr Abhay Baijal, Managing Director, Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd shared, “Sustainable agriculture is one of the key drivers of food security, rural livelihood and climate action in India.”
Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General, The Fertiliser Association of India, delivered the inaugural speech, calling this “the time of testing and innovation” and encouraging young people to be patient to create future products.
Mr H P Singh, Former Law Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, delivered the introductory address, outlining India’s agricultural ambitions. He highlighted the potential of nanotechnology for sustainable crop nutrition and restoring soil health. He emphasized that scaling up the production of nano urea in the coming years could save crores of rupees of subsidy and reduce our dependence on imports.
The conference also commemorated 15 years of TERI–Deakin University collaboration, marking a milestone in international partnerships for sustainable agriculture and research innovation. Ms Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University, reflected: “When we first imagined this—the TERI Deakin Nano Biocentre—in 2010, global partnerships, sustainability and nanotechnology were still in their infancy...15 years later, we are translating technology into impact.”
Day 1 Highlights: Focus on “Nano for Agri 2025”
The inaugural day centered around the theme “Nano for Agri 2025”, highlighting the role of nanotechnology in advancing agri-input efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.
Leading international experts shared their insights:
- Prof. Melanie Kah, University of Auckland, New Zealand, spoke on risk assessment and safe strategies for using engineered nanomaterials in agriculture.
- Dr Marta Andrea Alfaro, The New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute, discussed innovations to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through nanotechnology.
- Dr Amit Rastogi, Coromandel International Ltd., and Dr Tarunendu Singh, IFFCO, presented insights on integrating nano-fertilizers for holistic crop production.
In the Panel Discussion on Products and Regulation in Advancing Nanotechnology for Crop Nutrition and Protection, chaired by Mr Ashish K Srivastava, Vice President, Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd., participants deliberated on India’s evolving regulatory frameworks under the Fertiliser (Control) Order (FCO) and the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC).
The next session, chaired by Dr K K Singh, Head of Agri Services and R&D, Zuari Farm Hub Limited, explored Integrated Dissemination of Sustainable Agriculture Technologies. The discussion focused on extending research impact to farming communities through collaborative initiatives between industry, ICAR institutions, and research organizations.
The day also featured a poster session for young researchers, emphasizing youth-driven innovation in agricultural science.
Concluding the day’s proceedings, Dr K S Subramaniam, Scientific Advisor, Coromandel International Ltd., summarized key takeaways and outlined pathways for advancing nanotechnology-driven agri solutions. A networking dinner at the TERI Retreat provided an opportunity for continued dialogue among stakeholders from government, industry, and academia.
Venue: TERI Gram – A Living Lab for Sustainable Innovation in Agriculture
Located in Gwal Pahari, Gurugram, TERI Gram is a model campus for sustainable living and research excellence. Spread across 104 acres, it showcases green technologies, renewable energy systems, and eco-efficient designs—providing an ideal setting for deliberations on climate-smart agriculture.
Event Details:
When: November 12–14, 2025
Where: TERI Gram, Gwal Pahari, Gurugram, Haryana
Conference details: https://teriin.org/AISAC2025/