Hyderabad, Mar 15 (TNT): Hyderabadi agri-biotech entrepreneur and scientist Dr Venkatesh Devanur has been elected President of the World Neem Organisation (WNO) at the 3rd International Neem Summit–2026 and the 4th Global Neem Trade Fair, which concluded in Pune on Saturday.
The summit and trade fair were organised by the World Neem Organisation, an international non-profit body dedicated to promoting the neem tree and its benefits in agriculture, health, environment and industry.
WNO serves as a global forum for researchers, industry stakeholders and practitioners working with neem to exchange knowledge, research findings and resources, while promoting the wider use of neem across the world.
The organisation focuses on promoting neem cultivation and plantation globally, encouraging research into its medicinal and agricultural benefits, supporting the production and commercialisation of neem-based products and spreading awareness about neem’s role in sustainable agriculture, health and environmental protection.
Actively associated with several agriculture-related organizations, Dr Devanur is a founding member and secretary of the BioAgri Inputs Producers Association (BIPA).
Prior to his election as President, he served as Vice-President of the World Neem Organisation. He is also a Director in a joint venture with Koppert Biological Systems, Netherlands.
A pioneer in India’s bio-pesticide and organic agriculture sector, Dr Devanur runs companies involved in developing eco-friendly crop protection and soil health solutions.
Justice K.K. Tated, Chairman of the Animal Rights Commission, Government of Maharashtra, and Dr B.N. Vyas, President of the organisation, along with researchers, industry representatives, farmers and neem enthusiasts from India and abroad attended the summit.
During the conference, a White Paper on the status of the neem industry was released. A documentary highlighting the importance of collecting and processing neem seeds and fruits was also unveiled to benefit suppliers and emphasise value addition in the neem supply chain.
More than 150 participants from India and overseas attended the summit. Eminent scientists and experts presented scientific papers highlighting the importance of neem in agriculture, human health, cancer research and other areas, paving the way for greater collaboration between academia and industry.
TNT TS
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