Kovai: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Kovai, conducted a five-day training on "Plant Tissue Culture Techniques" from December 9 to 13, 2024.

Organized by the Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, the program emphasized the transformative role of plant tissue culture in agriculture, horticulture, and biodiversity conservation.

Inaugurating the session, Dr. E. Kokiladevi, Head of the Department of Plant Biotechnology, highlighted tissue culture's potential to address food security and sustainable crop production. Dr. N. Senthil, the Centre's Director, underscored its applications in agriculture and industry while addressing the shortage of skilled professionals.

Dr. R. Ravikesavan, Director of the Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, stressed the need for interdisciplinary research.

With 24 participants nationwide, the program included hands-on training in propagating high-yielding, disease-resistant crops.

Tissue culture's impact, seen in 30% of India's banana plantations, reinforces its critical role in advancing global agriculture.