Asia-Pacific Biopesticides Community of Practice (ABCoP) session

1 July 2026. Asia-Pacific Biopesticides Community of Practice (ABCoP) session

Program Agenda and Flyer

This webinar focused on how nature-based pest management and biopesticides can strengthen climate-resilient agriculture across Asia and Africa, with particular attention to dryland farming systems and fragile mountain ecosystems. 

 participated in this online webinar.

As part of APAARI's monthly ABCoP series, the webinar brought together some 40 persons: researchers and development practitioners to share scientific advances, practical experiences, and regional partnerships that can accelerate the transition from synthetic pesticides towards biological alternatives. The session aligned with ABCoP's broader objective of promoting knowledge exchange, regulatory harmonization, innovation, and the wider adoption of biopesticides for sustainable agriculture and safe trade.

• Jagdisha Jaba, Scientist & Lead- Entomology International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics(ICRISAT) India - “Advancing biopesticides for Dryland Crops: Present insights and future pathways in Asia & Africa”
• Rajendra Dhakal Climate Resilient Analyst Livelihood International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Nepal - Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Pest Management: Lessons from the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Region.

The first presentation, "Advancing Biopesticides for Dryland Crops: Present Insights and Future Pathways in Asia & Africa," by Jagdisha Jaba (ICRISAT, India), examined the opportunities and challenges of deploying biopesticides in semi-arid and dryland cropping systems. The presentation highlighted recent research on biological crop protection for drought-prone agriculture, discussed constraints such as product efficacy, farmer adoption, regulatory frameworks, and commercialization, and explored future research priorities and cross-regional collaboration between Asia and Africa. Particular emphasis was placed on integrating biopesticides into broader integrated pest management (IPM) systems to improve resilience while reducing dependence on synthetic pesticides.

The second presentation, "Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Pest Management: Lessons from the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Region," by Rajendra Dhakal (ICIMOD, Nepal), demonstrated how ecosystem-based approaches—including biodiversity conservation, ecological pest regulation, climate adaptation, and community-based natural resource management—can improve pest management in fragile mountain landscapes. Drawing on experiences from the HKH region, the session illustrated how nature-based solutions contribute simultaneously to climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental protection while strengthening local agricultural systems. It also highlighted the value of regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing across mountain countries facing similar climate and pest challenges.

NUS in Odisha: Strategies for Revival, Conservation, and Promotion

1 July 2026. "Forgotten Foods: Strategies for Revival, Conservation, and Promotion to Strengthen Nutritional Security and Climate Resilience in Odisha."

• Traditional and underutilized foods such as millets, legumes, tubers, indigenous greens, and other local crop varieties are rich in nutrients, resilient to changing climatic conditions, and deeply embedded in our cultural heritage. Reviving these forgotten foods can play a significant role in enhancing nutrition, conserving agrobiodiversity, and strengthening sustainable food systems.
• This webinar brought together 130 online participants: experts, researchers, practitioners, and community representatives to share experiences, innovations, and strategies for conserving, promoting, and scaling up forgotten foods.

The discussions focused on community-led conservation efforts, seed systems, nutritional and ecological significance of traditional foods, value addition, market opportunities, and pathways for wider adoption and policy support.

• Importance of forgotten foods for nutrition and climate resilience.
• Documentation and conservation of crop biodiversity.
• Community-led seed systems and traditional knowledge.
• Success stories and best practices from the field.
• Vision and strategy for mainstreaming forgotten food initiatives.

The webinar invitation and concept note

• Mr. Anshuman Das, Lead Expert - Agroecology and Food Systems, WHH - Challenges in promotion of landscape based farming systems with respect to forgotten foods - A comparative experience from Odisha and across India.
• Padma Shri Sabarmatee, Secretary and Co Founder, Sambhav - Methodology for Germplasm Conservation & Varietal Mapping & its importance
• Mr. Dinesh Balam, Head - Food Systems, AI and Regenerative Agriculture, ISB 
  Strategy and Vision for Reviving of Forgotten Foods
  
  Dinesh referred to GFAiR's South-South Forgotten Foods Consortium ([Collective Action]
  
  
• Mrs. Bhagya Laxmi, Associate Director, WASSAN - Why ! Community led seed system for neglected crops

• Dr. Oliver King, Director- Biodiversity, MSSRF - Success Stories: Community conservation & upscaling of Forgotten Food & Neglected Crops
  
  Oliver referred to the Manifesto on Forgotten Foods spearheaded by GFAR/GFAiR