NCATM 2026 Concludes at CIMP Patna, Highlights Role of Technology in Transforming Agriculture

Patna, March 19, 2026: The National Conference on Agriculture Technology and Management (NCATM 2026) was successfully held today at Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) in a hybrid format, bringing together academicians, policymakers, researchers, and industry experts to explore the transformative role of technology and management in agriculture.

The conference commenced with an inaugural session at the CIMP Auditorium, graced by eminent academicians including Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, Prof. (Dr.) Ankit Sharma and other distinguished faculty members. In his welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh emphasized the need for collaborative platforms to address emerging agricultural challenges. A conference overview was presented by Prof. (Dr.) Vijaya, who underlined its interdisciplinary relevance in the current agricultural landscape.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Birendra Prasad Yadav, I.A.S., Special Secretary, Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar, delivered a keynote address highlighting the transformative impact of technology across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and the broader economy. He stressed that technological advancements are critical to enhancing productivity, ensuring food security, and achieving sustainable development. He also emphasized the importance of green technologies and effective management practices in driving agricultural growth. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Ranjani Ram.

NCATM 2026 featured five technical sessions covering a wide range of themes. Key discussions focused on agri-business challenges, green recruitment practices, and the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bihar’s agricultural transformation. Experts also deliberated on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digitalization, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), agri-fintech, and circular economy practices.

The sessions showcased innovations in smart farming and precision agriculture, alongside new agri-based industrial models promoting rural entrepreneurship and sustainability. Mechanization advancements, including efficient harvesting systems, and strategic management approaches for agri-business SMEs were also highlighted. Notably, research presentations on deep learning applications—such as automated soybean seed grading—demonstrated the growing potential of advanced technologies in improving agricultural productivity and accuracy.

The valedictory session marked the conclusion of the conference, with Dr. Nitish Nigam presenting a comprehensive summary of the technical deliberations. He highlighted key themes including IoT, AI-driven analytics, agri-fintech, and evolving policy frameworks. The session also recognized academic excellence through the presentation of Best Paper Awards to outstanding contributors.

Dr. Nitish Nigam delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Director, faculty members including Prof. (Dr.) Ankit Sharma and Prof. (Dr.) Vijaya, the organizing team, participants, and volunteers for their contributions in making the conference a success.

Overall, NCATM 2026 emerged as a significant academic platform, reinforcing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices in shaping the future of agriculture.

Sridhar Patnala Honoured with Ugadi Puraskaram by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister

Vijayawada, March 19: Sridhar Patnala was conferred with the prestigious Ugadi Puraskaram earlier today in a ceremonial event held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram. The award was presented by N. Chandrababu Naidu, recognising Patnala’s contributions and achievements.

The Ugadi Puraskaram is awarded annually to individuals who have made notable contributions in their respective fields, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, which marks the Telugu New Year.

Expressing his gratitude, Sridhar Patnala said he felt deeply honoured to receive the recognition from the Chief Minister. “It is a proud and humbling moment for me to be recognised on such a significant occasion,” he stated.

The ceremony at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram witnessed the presence of dignitaries, officials, and guests, celebrating excellence and contributions across various sectors.

The Ugadi Puraskaram continues to serve as an important platform to acknowledge and encourage individuals who have demonstrated dedication and excellence in their fields.

Marine Phytoplankton Release “Chemical Currencies” That Drive Ocean Carbon Cycling

Woods Hole, Mass., Mar 19: A new study led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and Columbia University has identified a diverse set of molecules released by marine phytoplankton that fuel microbial life and help regulate Earth’s carbon cycle. The findings shed light on the previously hidden chemical interactions that move billions of tons of carbon through the surface ocean each year.

Phytoplankton, microscopic photosynthetic organisms, absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into organic carbon, supporting both oxygen production and microbial metabolism in the ocean. While scientists have long known that phytoplankton transfer carbon to microbial communities, the specific compounds involved—small, rapidly consumed molecules—have remained largely undetectable until now.

“For this study, we grew six representative phytoplankton species under controlled laboratory conditions,” said Yuting Zhu, co-lead author and former WHOI postdoctoral investigator, now at Old Dominion University. “Using a chemical-tagging method developed at WHOI, we quantified the biologically available small molecules released by these globally abundant microorganisms.”

Key findings include:

• Substantial contribution to dissolved organic carbon: The identified molecules account for up to 23% of the carbon released by phytoplankton, supporting a significant portion of microbial metabolism in the global ocean.

• Species-specific chemical “menus”: Different phytoplankton species release distinct combinations of metabolites, including carbon compounds containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. These chemical variations help shape which microbial communities thrive in different ocean regions.

• Implications for carbon cycling models: Laboratory measurements combined with global ecosystem modeling suggest that phytoplankton-derived metabolites could supply up to 5% of the daily carbon needs of SAR11, one of the most abundant marine bacteria.

“The findings illuminate a long-standing mystery about the composition of the ‘chemical currencies’ that microbes use in the surface ocean,” said Sonya Dyhrman, co-author and professor at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. “By identifying these compounds, we can begin to build more accurate models of how microbial communities cycle billions of tons of carbon.”

The study was conducted with collaborators from MIT and the Marine Biological Laboratory as part of the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Chemical Currencies of a Microbial Planet, which investigates how small molecules govern microbial interactions across Earth’s ecosystems.

“Understanding these molecular exchanges is critical,” said Elizabeth Kujawinski, WHOI Senior Scientist and center director. “A huge portion of Earth’s carbon cycle passes through this microbial system, yet we still don’t fully understand it. By mapping which molecules phytoplankton release and which molecules bacteria consume, we can start to model the ocean’s microbial network and its role in global carbon cycling.”

Future research will examine how environmental changes—including nutrient availability, temperature fluctuations, and ocean acidification—affect the chemical compounds phytoplankton release and how microbial communities respond to these changes.

Time Running Out for USDA Section 515 Rural Housing Program: Study Highlights Urgent Need for Preservation

Mar 19: Georgia Tech reveals that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Section 515 program, the nation’s primary mechanism for affordable rental housing in rural communities, is rapidly approaching its end. Established in 1963, Section 515 has supported over 533,000 apartments, townhouses, and multifamily homes for low-income Americans. However, because the USDA stopped issuing new loans in 2011, the program is now phasing out as existing loans mature.

The study, published in Housing Policy Debate, analyzed nearly 15,000 Section 515 properties and found that by 2050, almost all remaining units will exit the program, potentially converting affordable homes to market-rate rentals. Currently, the program provides housing for roughly 750,000 Americans across nearly 13,000 properties, many of whom earn around $16,000 per year and include older adults or individuals with disabilities.

Key findings include:

• Ownership Matters: Nonprofit-owned properties are 30–40% more likely to remain affordable than for-profit-owned properties after loans mature. Small management companies or owner-managed properties are more likely to exit the program.

• Subsidies Help Preservation: Properties receiving additional federal support, such as Section 8 vouchers or low-income housing tax credits, are more likely to remain affordable even after loan restrictions expire.

• Local Market Conditions Influence Outcomes: Rural counties with high unemployment, low housing inventory, or economic pressures are at higher risk of losing affordable units.

The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions. USDA efforts like the Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization pilot program have provided grants and financing to maintain affordability, but these efforts are limited in scale. Researchers estimate that $5.6 billion in repairs would be required to preserve the current Section 515 portfolio.

Proposed reforms, including the bipartisan Rural Housing Service Reform Act, aim to modernize USDA rural housing programs and extend rental assistance contracts after mortgage maturity. However, as of early 2026, the legislation remains under consideration.

“Time is running out on the nation’s main affordable housing program in rural America,” said Wunder-Smith. “Without renewed federal support or interventions by property owners, much of rural affordable housing could disappear over the next two decades, leaving vulnerable populations at risk.”

The study highlights the critical role of nonprofit organizations, government subsidies, and strategic preservation efforts in ensuring that rural communities retain access to affordable housing in the coming decades.