Amitava Rakshit

Biography Amitava Rakshit is a Professor at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IAgSc-BHU), and Deputy Coordinator of the Nurturing Life Skills Cell. A visionary academic leader, he is dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary education and fostering student empowerment across agriculture, medicine, science, arts, commerce, veterinary, and performing arts. His leadership emphasizes inclusivity, collective ownership, and institutional wellbeing, blending tradition with innovation to drive systemic improvements. He has published 181 research papers and authored/edited more than 40 books, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in agricultural sciences.

Research Interests His research focuses on rhizosphere chemistry, integrated nutrient management, and biopriming, with a strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture and soil health. He explores nutrient dynamics in the rhizosphere to enhance crop productivity and resilience, while promoting innovative strategies for resource-efficient farming. He also integrates environmental stewardship, policy framing, and collaborative platforms to nurture critical thinking and holistic wellbeing among students and faculty.

Tentative Totle:

From Stress Moderation to Sustainability: Biopriming Mediation in Crop Species

Session/panel summary and proposed speakers:

Session/Panel Summary Agricultural Systems Microbiology and Phytobiome Management represent a frontier in sustainable food production and ecosystem resilience. This session will explore how microbial communities within soils, rhizospheres, and plant-associated environments can be harnessed to improve crop productivity, stress tolerance, and ecological balance. Discussions will highlight advances in rhizosphere chemistry, integrated nutrient management, and biopriming as tools to optimize plant–microbe interactions. The panel will emphasize translational research that bridges laboratory insights with field-scale applications, addressing challenges such as climate variability, resource efficiency, and biodiversity conservation. By integrating microbiome science with agronomic practices, the session aims to frame holistic strategies for sustainable agriculture, policy innovation, and farmer-centric solutions.

Key themes include:

• Microbial mediation of nutrient cycling and soil health
• Biopriming for stress moderation and crop resilience
• Phytobiome management for sustainable intensification
• Systems approaches linking microbiology, ecology, and agricultural policy

Proposed Speakers

• Prof. Amitava Rakshit (IAgSc-BHU, India): Expertise in rhizosphere chemistry, integrated nutrient management, and biopriming.
• Dr. R. Michael Lehman (USDA-ARS, USA): Research on soil microbial ecology and sustainable cropping systems.
• Prof. Angela Sessitsch (AIT, Austria): Leader in plant microbiome research and microbial inoculants.
• Dr. Pankaj Trivedi (Colorado State University, USA): Specialist in phytobiome interactions and microbiome-driven crop improvement.
• Dr. Maria J. Pozo (CSIC, Spain): Renowned for work on beneficial soil microbes and plant health.

Pillar and Topic/Subtopic:

Pillar 2.1 Agricultural Systems Microbiology and Phytobiome Management