ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management (ICAR-IIWM), Bhubaneswar organised a National Workshop on “Next-Generation Farming: Vertical Hydroponic and Aquaponic Systems” on 11th February 2026 in hybrid mode. The workshop received an overwhelming response, with 382 participants registering from 21 states and 2 Union Territories. Among of them, 90 participants attended physically, comprising scientists, academicians, officers, and Ph.D. scholars from various ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, and line departments. At the outset, Dr. Arjamadutta Sarangi, Director, ICAR-IIWM, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and participants and outlined the genesis, objectives, and vision of the national workshop. Dr. A. Velmurugan, ADG (S&WM), Natural Resource Management Division, ICAR, New Delhi, graced the occasion virtually as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the strategic importance of hydroponic and aquaponic systems in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthening food and nutritional security, and generating employment opportunities in urban and peri-urban horticulture through innovative next-generation farming approaches. Dr. Gobinda Chandra Acharya, Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR-IIHR-CHES, Bhubaneswar, attended as the Distinguished Guest of Honour. Dr.Acharya highlighted the transformative advancements in protected cultivation technologies, including hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics, which have significantly enhanced the technical feasibility and economic viability of vertical farming. The workshop featured four technical sessions and one practical session focusing on recent advancements in hydroponic systems. Eminent scientists from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi; ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai; and ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi delivered expert lectures, sharing cutting-edge research insights and practical experiences. The event was sponsored by the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Odisha. The workshop was convened by Dr. R.K. Panda, Principal Scientist, and was organised by Dr. Prativa Sahu, Scientist and Dr. A.K. Thakur, Principal Scientist. The workshop served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, fostering dialogue among researchers, academicians, practitioners, and reaffirming ICAR-IIWM’s commitment to advancing sustainable and innovative agricultural technologies in India.
