National Seminar & IPS North Eastern Zonal Conference 2026

EMERGING TRENDS IN
PLANT HEALTH MANAGEMENT
FOR AGRICULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

20th - 21st November, 2026
Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam
Organized By
Department of Plant Pathology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
In Association With: Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS), New Delhi
Conference Countdown
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SECONDS
Submit Abstract Online Register & Fee Structure
9 Sub-Themes
Cutting-edge research
Oral & Poster
Presentation Award
APS & IPS Awards
Ph.D. travel grants
AAU Jorhat
Assam, India
BACKGROUND & VISION

Advancing Next-Gen Plant Pathology & Sustainability

Discover the heritage of IPS, Assam Agricultural University, and our commitment to sustainable agriculture.

National Seminar Objectives

The National Seminar on “Emerging Trends in Plant Health Management for Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability” provides a dynamic forum for exploring transformative innovations for next-generation crop health.

In the era of climate uncertainty, emerging biotic threats, and ecological degradation, the seminar highlights interdisciplinary scientific perspectives that enhance crop resilience while preserving environmental quality.

Interdisciplinary exchange
Climate-smart crop protection
Industry & policy convergence
Empowering young scholars
IPS

Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS)

The Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS) is one of the premier scientific societies dedicated to plant disease research and management. With nearly 2,700 members globally, IPS unites researchers, educators, extension specialists, administrators, and pest management personnel.

IPS publishes the prestigious journal Indian Phytopathology and organizes national/international conferences, symposia, and workshops to advance sustainable crop protection.

2,700+ Global Members

Promoting excellence in plant pathology and agricultural food security across India and the world.

AAU

Assam Agricultural University (AAU)

Established in 1969 at Jorhat, AAU is the premier agricultural feeder university of North-East India. It leads in teaching, research, and technology transfer tailored to unique agro-climatic conditions.

AAU has spearheaded microbiological research, plant-microbe interactions, biofertilizers, biocontrol agents, and organic farming strategies across North-East India.

Est. 1969

Feeder University of North East India

Jorhat, Assam, India

Department of Plant Pathology, AAU

A premier center for education, research, and extension in plant health management in Northeast India. The department conducts cutting-edge research on disease etiology, epidemiology, host-pathogen interactions, biopesticides, and molecular diagnostics.

Advanced Labs
Equipped with state-of-the-art molecular & biocontrol facilities.
Post-Graduate Education
Offers top M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs for skilled plant pathologists.
Extension & Outreach
Active involvement in farmer advisory services & crop health awareness.
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM

Seminar Sub-Themes

The seminar encompasses 9 core sub-themes covering emerging global challenges in crop health.

Theme 1
Impact of Climate Change on Epidemiology & Disease Dynamics

Climate change, soil health, plant nutrition, plant diseases and crop yields under stress environment.

Theme 2
Emerging Tools in Crop Health Monitoring & Disease Management

Serological and molecular approaches, remote sensing, sensor networks, and precision diagnostics.

Theme 3
Advances in Microbial Diversity & Plant-Microbe Interactions

Characterization of beneficial & pathogenic microbes, phytopathogen variability, and host resistance.

Theme 4
Innovative Approaches for Integrated Disease Management (IDM)

Nano-phytopathology, traditional/conventional techniques, ITKs, and biorational approaches.

Theme 5
Natural Farming & Bio-Resources for Organic Farming

Natural and biorational products, biopesticides, biofertilizers, and organic certification frameworks.

Theme 6
Utilization of Crop Genetic Resources for Biotic & Abiotic Stress

Crop biodiversity, resistance breeding, conventional and molecular breeding approaches.

Theme 7
Innovative Strategies for Post-Harvest Disease Management

Bio-priming, natural botanical extracts, essential oils, edible coatings, and shelf-life enhancement.

Theme 8
Microbes for Food, Medicine, Industrial Application & Bioremediation

Medicinal, edible and wild mushrooms, microbial metabolites, and bioremediation of pollutants.

Theme 9
Recent Advances in Extension-Plant Pathology, AI & Policy

AI, ICT advisory tools, entrepreneurial roles, policy frameworks, education, and plant health awareness.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

Key Dates & Deadlines

Please note all critical dates for abstract submission and early bird registration.

Abstract Submission & Registration Opens
Opening Date

August 01, 2026

Online portal opens for abstract submissions and registration fee payments.
Abstract Submission Closing Date
Critical Deadline

October 01, 2026

Last date to submit abstracts online (250-300 words format).
Early-Bird Registration Closing
Save Fees

October 01, 2026

Discounted early-bird fee applicable until 1st October 2026.
Communication of Abstract Acceptance
Notification

October 15, 2026

Acceptance notifications & presentation format communicated via email.

National Seminar & Conference Dates

Main Event

November 20 - 21, 2026

Physical participation at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam.
ORGANIZING TEAM

Organizing Committee

Leadership and organizing committee members driving the conference.

Dr. Dipjyoti Rajkhowa
PATRON-IN-CHIEF
Dr. Dipjyoti Rajkhowa

Vice Chancellor

Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Patrons
Dr. Prasanna Kr. Pathak
Dr. Prasanna Kr. Pathak
Dean, College of Agriculture, AAU
Dr. Anup Kr. Das
Dr. Anup Kr. Das
Director of Post-Graduate Studies, AAU
Dr. Manoranjan Neog
Dr. Manoranjan Neog
Director of Extension Education, AAU
Dr. Sanjay Kr. Chetia
Dr. Sanjay Kr. Chetia
Director of Research, AAU
Dr. Binoy Kr. Medhi
Dr. Binoy Kr. Medhi
Director of Students' Welfare, AAU
Shri. Damodar Barman
Shri. Damodar Barman, ACS
Registrar, AAU, Jorhat
IPS ADVISORY BOARD

IPS Advisers

Executive leadership of the Indian Phytopathological Society guiding the conference.

IPS President
Dr. R. Viswanathan

Former Director

ICAR-ISRI, Lucknow, UP
IPS President (Elect)
Dr. R. M. Gade

Former Director Extension & Associate Dean

Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra
IPS Secretary
Dr. Malkhan S. Gurjar

Senior Scientist

Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
IPS Treasurer
Dr. Deeba Kamil

Senior Scientist

Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
IPS Chief Editor
Dr. Kalyan K. Mondal

Joint Director (Research)

ICAR-NIBSM, Raipur
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

CONVENER & ORGANIZING SECRETARY

Key operational leadership overseeing the conference organization and secretariat.

Dr. Palash Deb Nath
CONVENER
Dr. Palash Deb Nath

Professor & Head

Dept. of Plant Pathology, AAU, Jorhat
Dr. Anurag Kashyap
ORGANIZING SECRETARY
Dr. Anurag Kashyap

Assistant Professor

Dept. of Plant Pathology, AAU, Jorhat
ipsnez.2026@aau.ac.in
SCIENTIFIC LEADERSHIP

Eminent Speakers

Distinguished scientists, directors, and professors delivering keynotes and plenary talks.

IPS President
Dr. R. Viswanathan

Former Director

ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow
IPS President (Elect)
Dr. R. M. Gade

Former Director Extension

Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra
IPS Secretary
Dr. Malkhan S. Gurjar

Senior Scientist

Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Dilip Kumar Ghosh

Director

ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur
Invited Speaker
Dr. Aundy Kumar

Professor & Principal Scientist

ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Invited Speaker
Dr. Robin Gogoi

Professor & OSD

Faculty of Science, Assam Down Town University
Invited Speaker
Dr. K. B. Pun

Dean

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Assam Down Town Uni
Invited Speaker
Dr. Suvendra Kr. Ray

Professor

Dept of MBBT, Tezpur University, Assam
Invited Speaker
Dr. Kajal K. Biswas

Principal Scientist

Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Invited Speaker
Dr. Pankaj Barah

Assistant Professor

Dept of MBBT, Tezpur University, Assam
Invited Speaker
Dr. Channakeshavaiah C.

Senior Principal Scientist

CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, Assam
Invited Speaker
Dr. Manab Deka

Professor

Dept of Bioengineering, Gauhati University
Invited Speaker
Dr. Kumananda Tayung

Professor & Head

Dept of Botany, Gauhati University
Invited Speaker
Dr. Pranaba N. Bhattacharyya

Assistant Professor & Head

Dept of Botany, NNSC, Titabar, Assam
Invited Speaker
Dr. Niraj Agarwala

Assistant Professor

Dept of Botany, Gauhati University
IPS Chief Editor
Dr. Kalyan K. Mondal

Joint Director (Research)

ICAR-NIBSM, Raipur
HONORS & RECOGNITION

Awards & Contests

Encouraging scientific excellence among Ph.D. students and young plant pathologists.

IPS Zone Level Award Age Limit: < 35 Years

Prof. M. J. Narasimhan Merit Academic Award (IPS)

A contest among NE Zonal members for selection to national competition at the annual meeting of IPS. Top two nominees are recommended by the Zonal President.

Key Benefit: The award recipient's full paper will be published in the prestigious journal Indian Phytopathology (subject to IPS guidelines).
International Grant Ph.D. Students Only

APS-IPS Travel Sponsorship for Ph.D. Students

The American Phytopathological Society (APS) offers travel grants to Ph.D. students to attend the APS Annual Meeting in the USA.

Eligibility: Active Ph.D. students in India holding IPS membership. Bio-data & age proof required. In-service candidates are not eligible.
PARTICIPATION & FEES

Registration Fee Structure

Select your delegate category and complete registration online.

Offline Participants Fee Matrix
Delegate Type Early Bird (By Oct 01) Late Registration
Scientist / Faculty / Govt Officials INR 5,000.00 INR 6,000.00
Research Scholar INR 2,500.00 INR 3,000.00
Student INR 2,000.00 INR 2,500.00
Corporate / Industry INR 8,000.00 INR 10,000.00
Accommodation arranged in AAU Guest House (university rate, first come first basis) & nearby hotels upon prior request.
Dynamic Fee Calculator
Total Estimated Fee
₹ 5,000.00
Proceed to Online Registration Form

Bank Details for Net Banking / UPI

Please remit the registration fee to the account below and submit the transaction reference number in the registration form.

  • Account Name: IPS NE ZONE SYMPOSIUM AAU
  • Bank Name: STATE BANK OF INDIA
  • Branch Name: AAU BRANCH
  • Account Number: 41350571377
  • IFSC Code: SBIN0002003
Online Registration Link

Upload transaction proof directly in the Google Form link below:

Open Official Google Form
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

Sponsorship Packages

Promote your brand to top agricultural scientists, researchers, and government leaders.

Above ₹3 Lakh

Platinum Sponsor

  • Official Industry Partner
  • Logo on all materials
  • 15-min Showcase Talk
  • Access for 5 delegates
  • Exhibition display desk
  • Standee display at venue
₹1.5 Lakh - ₹3 Lakh

Gold Sponsor

  • Industry Collaboration Partner
  • Logo on all materials
  • 10-min Industry Talk
  • Access for 3 delegates
  • Exhibition display space
₹1 Lakh - ₹1.5 Lakh

Silver Sponsor

  • Supporting Partner
  • Logo on all materials
  • Access for 2 delegates
  • Standee display at venue
₹50k - ₹1 Lakh

Bronze Sponsor

  • Associate Sponsor
  • Logo on all materials
  • Access for 1 delegate
LOCATION & EXPLORE ASSAM

How to Reach Jorhat & Tourism

Jorhat is well connected by air, rail, and road. Explore the land of red rivers & blue hills!

By Air

Jorhat Airport (Rowriah) is just 3.1 km from AAU. Direct flights available from New Delhi & Kolkata. Alternate airports: Dibrugarh (135 km) or Guwahati (300 km).

By Rail

Jorhat Town Station is 6 km away. Mariani Junction (major rail head) is ~17 km away with direct express trains across India.

By Road & Local Taxi

Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) is 5 km from campus. Continuous taxi & auto services connect airports and railway stations to AAU.

Top Attractions Near Jorhat

Kaziranga
Kaziranga National Park
World famous UNESCO site for One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Majuli
Majuli River Island
World's largest river island, seat of Neo-Vaishnavite culture.
Sivasagar
Sivasagar Monuments
Historic Ahom Kingdom palaces, Rang Ghar & tanks.
Tea Estates
Jorhat Tea Estates
Lush green rolling tea gardens of Assam.
GET IN TOUCH

Contact & Secretariat

Reach out to the organizing team for any queries regarding registration, abstracts, or accommodation.

Organizing Secretariat

Dr. Anurag Kashyap
Dr. Anurag Kashyap

Organizing Secretary, IPS-NEZ 2026

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Plant Pathology
Dr. Palash Deb Nath
Dr. Palash Deb Nath

Convener, IPS-NEZ 2026

Professor & Head, Dept. of Plant Pathology

Official Communication

Submit Abstract Online