International Conference on Dry Zone Agriculture-2022 (ICDA-2022) was held on 14th of September 2022 at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, Ariviyal Nagar, Kilinochchi with the theme of “Emerging Appropriate Agro-technologies Towards Food Sustainability”, as a satellite conference of JUICe-2022. The aim of the conference was to provide an opportunity to the local and international scientists, researchers and graduate students from multifaceted applied sciences disciplines to disseminate their research findings, share ideas and experiences.
The registration of participants started at 8.15 am. The conference commenced at 8.45 am with the lighting of traditional oil lamp, welcome dance, and then followed by the inaugural session until 10.30 pm.
In the inaugural address, the convener Dr.K.Pakeerathan welcomed all the dignitaries and the participants, and emphasized the uniqueness of the ICDA. The Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. S. Vasantharuba in his conference chair address, pointed out the journey of the Faculty of Agriculture and its community engagement activities. JUICe-2022 general chair and the chief guest Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah delivered his chief guest address on the importance of dry zone agriculture and in which way the Faculty of Agriculture is taking steps to further strengthen the research and development of the region. He further extended ICDA’s role to disseminate the current findings to the local farm communities. Thereafter, Professor G. Mikunthan introduced ICDA-2022’s keynote speaker Emeritus Professor Ogata Kazuo from Kyushu University, Japan to the scientific audience. Keynote speaker Emeritus Professor Ogata Kazuo delivered an impressive keynote speech on the title of ‘Smart Agriculture’ in Japan: An Overview of the Trend’. Then a token of appreciation was presented to Emeritus Professor Ogata Kazuo by the chief guest Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah. The inaugural session was brought to an end by vote of thanks which was delivered by the joint secretary Mrs. A. Kirisan.
After the inaugural session, technical sessions were conducted virtually in seven tracks.
Track A: The technical session on Agronomy was coordinated by Dr. Rasu Eeswaran and the session was chaired by Dr. (Mrs). Menaka Fernando from university of Ruhunu, Sri Lanka. In this session six papers were presented by local and Indian authors.
Track B: The technical session on Food science was coordinated by Mrs. Kasthuri Kajeevan and the session was chaired by Prof. Anoma Chandrasekara from Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. In this session six papers were presented by Sri Lankan authors.
Track C: The technical session on Agricultural Economics and Extension was coordinated by Ms. Kamshajini Raveenthiran and the session was jointly chaired by Prof. N.Kengatharan &
Dr.A.Saravanabawan from University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. In this session seven papers were presented by Indian and Sri Lankan authors.
Track D: The technical session on Agricultural Biology was coordinated by Mrs. Nirosha Thanusan and the session was chaired by Prof. Disna Ratnasekara from University of Ruhunu, Sri Lanka. In this session seven papers were presented by Indian and Sri Lankan authors.
Track E: The technical session on Agricultural Engineering was coordinated by Dr.N.Kannan and the session was chaired by Prof. D.A.N. Dharmasena from University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. In this session six papers were presented by various local authors.
Track F: The technical session on Soil Science was coordinated by Mrs. Abhiramy Kirisan and the session was chaired by Prof. Saman Herath from Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka. In this session five papers were presented by local authors.
Track G: The technical session on Animal Science was coordinated by Dr. (Mrs.). Susanthaa Piratheepan and the session was chaired by Prof. Ajith Jayaweera BP from Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. In this session six papers were presented by various authors
Around 200 participants from diversified scientific background such as Deans of the faculties, Academia from different universities, Officials from the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA), Executive staffs from Department of Agriculture and Department of Animal production and Health, Administrative staff from the Kilinochchi premises, Academic support staffs and students of the faculty of Agriculture were participated in the ICDA-2022. The entire session of ICDA-2022 was recorded by VC-media and the inauguration session was broadcasted in live streaming via VC-Media YouTube channel. Local new papers publish the ICDA-2022 as news to make the public aware of this event.
Participants’ feedback:
Participants gave positive feedback about the content and organization of the conference.
Organizing committee of the ICDA 2022:
Conference Chair: Dr. S. Vasantharuba
Convener: Dr. K. Pakeerathan
Joint Secretaries: Mrs. A. Kirisan & Mr. A. Uthayakumar
