The 46^th Annual Meeting of the Plant Tissue Culture Association (India) and the National Symposium on Current Trends and Challenges in Plant Biotechnology was successfully organized by BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, from 24^th to 26^th February 2025.

This prestigious event provided a significant platform for discussions on the latest advancements, challenges, and future directions in plant biotechnology.  The symposium underscored the critical role of plant tissue culture in fundamental and applied research, contributing to agricultural biotechnology, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices.

The event received an overwhelming response, with more than 350 participants, including distinguished scientists, researchers, industry professionals, and students from across the country.  A significant number of participants from Goa University and its affiliated colleges also attended the symposium. The program included an inaugural lecture and 30 invited lectures, including eight keynote addresses, two award lectures, and 20 lead lectures delivered by eminent experts.  Additionally, 61 oral presentations and 163 poster presentations were conducted across six thematic sessions covering key areas such as plant tissue culture and entrepreneurship, plant metabolites and nutraceuticals, plant-microbe interactions, abiotic stress biology, and plant genome editing.

Furthermore, 19 applicants presented for membership, indicating a growing interest and engagement in the domain.  Discussions focused on innovative solutions, including plant genome editing for precise genetic modifications, advancements in in vitro plant tissue culture for large-scale propagation, and bioenergy applications as the fifth generation of biofuel technology.  These advancements hold immense potential in enhancing crop productivity, improving plant resilience, and ensuring nutritional security.  The symposium also facilitated networking and collaborations among researchers, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to tackle national agricultural challenges.  It provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange and strategic discussions aimed at strengthening biotechnology-driven solutions for sustainable development.

The successful organization of the symposium was made possible through the support of government agencies such as the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the National Agricultural Research Fund (ANRF), and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), along with private sponsors including Biogenuix, B. Patel & Sons, HiMedia, and SRL.

During the valedictory session of the symposium, one research scholar was awarded for the best oral presentation under each theme, while three best poster presentations were recognized in all six themes.

In summary, the symposium played a pivotal role in advancing scientific dialogue, fostering collaborations, and shaping future research directions in plant biotechnology. The deliberations and recommendations emerging from this event are expected to significantly contribute to the development of innovative technologies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. The event successfully provided a platform for critical discussions on plant biotechnology advancements. The deliberations and recommendations from the event are expected to drive future research, strengthen industry-academia collaborations, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. Continued efforts in innovation, policy development, and public engagement will be essential in leveraging plant biotechnology for food security and environmental sustainability.