We are glad to announce that Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI) will be conducting a special colloquium on “Seeing through the Microbial Lens: From Threats in Healthcare to Opportunities in Agriculture” on 28 April 2023, 12 noon at Seminar Hall, Narendrapur Campus.

Speaker : Dr. Gautam Chatterjee
Co-ordinator: Abhijit Chakrabarti

Abstract

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in the environment, playing pivotal roles in human health and agriculture. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and microbial pathogens poses significant threats to public health. Conversely, in agriculture, microbes can be harnessed to improve soil health and enhance crop growth. Recent studies indicate that chemical-intensive agricultural practices can alter agroecosystems, including the soil microbiome, which plays a crucial role in plant health and nutrition. Therefore, innovative microbial-based technologies in modern agriculture are increasingly essential to mitigate the negative impacts of conventional farming practices while ensuring quality foods and nutritional security.

The interplay between microbes, agriculture, and human health presents challenges and opportunities, particularly in the current context of climate change, soil deterioration, and biodiversity loss. Exploring the role of microbes in agriculture and human health is, therefore, crucial to developing effective strategies that capitalize on nature’s gifts and address these challenges. This colloquium talk will discuss the recent trends of microbial-based technology in agriculture, highlighting its role in promoting ecological intensification in agroecosystems and addressing potential risk factors to animal and human health.