EEI Hyderabad Hosts Dynamic Webinar on Combating Anti- Microbial Resistance in Agri and Allied Sectors on 31-07-2024

The Extension Education Institute (EEI), Hyderabad, successfully organized a webinar on ECHO - Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR) in Agri and Allied Sectors on July 31, 2024. The event was conducted in a panel discussion and case presentation format, featuring distinguished experts from various fields. The esteemed panel included Dr. B. Ramakrishnan, Principal Scientist, Dept. of Microbiology, IARI, New Delhi, representing the agriculture sector; Dr. Premanshu Dandapat, Head, Division of Microbiology and Mycology, IVRI, Bareli; and Dr. V. Deepali, Professor, Malla Reddy Medical College, Hyderabad. The webinar was skillfully moderated by Dr. M. Preethi, Professor, EEI, and chaired by Dr. M. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Director, EEI, Hyderabad. Dr. M. Preethi initiated the webinar by welcoming the expert panel and participants on the Echo webinar platform. She outlined the flow of the event and provided a formal introduction of the panelists. Dr. M. Jagan Mohan Reddy emphasized the importance of the webinar in his opening remarks. The session featured twelve case presentations, with three cases each from the agriculture, animal husbandry, and medical sectors, along with three additional cases from the audience. These cases were discussed in depth by the panel experts, who provided insights and potential solutions. Dr. Premanshu Dandapat highlighted the public health threat from zoonotic diseases, the National Action Plan on AMR, the Indian Government's initiatives to combat AMR, and the need to strengthen animal health monitoring systems. Dr. B. Ramakrishnan discussed the chemistry of life, the role of DNA, the connection between healthy soils, healthy foods, and healthy humans, and the nine planetary boundaries. Dr. V. Deepali presented on the differences between AMR and antibiotic resistance, the mechanisms of drug resistance, and the causes of AMR in the medical sector. She concluded her presentation with a thought-provoking video on how to slow down AMR and promote healthy habits. In his summary, Dr. M. Jagan Mohan Reddy reiterated the key takeaways from the expert deliberations. He emphasized that the One Health concept is crucial for addressing AMR, and highlighted urbanization and poor sewage systems as major contributors to AMR in humans. He advocated for the inclusion of key points from the discussions into the National Action Plan and stressed the importance of natural farming and hygienic practices in combating AMR. The webinar concluded with Dr. M. Preethi¸ Professor, EEI proposing a vote of thanks and urging participants to submit their feedback via the form uploaded on the Echo Platform. The webinar was attended by 78 participants from various sectors across India.