Addressing the Seminar, dedicated to the 165th Birth Anniversary of Kliment a. Timiryasev, famous Russian Agricultural Scientist, Mr. Valeriy Popotsev, Counsellor (Agriculture, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, underscored an emphatic note on promising future on Russian-Indian cooperation in the field of agriculture, particularly genetics, fertilizers and irrigation, given the vast potentials available in both countries. Hailing the significant achievements made by India through Green Revolution, which went a long way in attaining self-sufficiency in food, he referred to the possible Russian participation in the second Green Revolution in India in the sphere of manufacturing and importing of fertilizers and using of seeds with native Indian or improved genetics.

Welcoming a large gathering of agricultural scientists, experts, academics, students and farmers, Dr. Sergey V. Cherkas, Deputy Director, RCSC, underlined the landmark scientific achievement of the agricultural genius of international repute Kliment Timiryasev-"Photosynthesis". He added that the eminent Russian naturalist saw the basis of rational agriculture in both the physiology of plants and agro-chemistry. The presentation highlighting the academic background an scientific activities of Timiryasev ran side by side with the deliberations of the Seminar. Dr. Cherkas cited the Russian scientist, who from the position of Darwinism, had explained the evolution of function in plants, in particular the evolution of photosynthesis.

Paying rich tributes to Kliment Timiryasev's scientific contribution which was an important landmark physiology of plants to the great benefit of mankind, Dr. K. L. Chadha, former Horticulture Commissioner, pinpointed the commendable cooperation India has had right from the Soviet days. Referring to Russia's extensive scientific agricultural potentials spanning different agricultural facets such as irrigation, genetics, fertilizers, etc., Dr. Chadha pointed out that with her credible achievements India does have immense possibilities for more cooperation with intensive efforts adding to its economy.

Tracing the century-long Indo-Soviet relations, Mr. Harikesh Bahadur, former M. P., hailed the historic role played by the erstwhile Soviet Union and Russia in supporting India in times of difficulties, which in the long run enabled her to build a strong economic infrastructure through cooperation in different spheres, including agriculture. Sharing his impression, he underlined the possibilities of protection of plants genetic resources. Mr. Bahadur acknowledged the contributions made by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, regarded as the father of India's Green Revolution.

Dr. Krishan Bir Chaudhary, President, Bharatiya Krishak Samaj, who presided over the function, paid homage to the Russian scientist Kliment Timiryasev and referred to the imperative of Indo-Russian cooperation in agriculture on a broader perspective.