Dhanuka Agritech to Host International Seminar on Crop Protection Chemicals and Cancer at AIIMS, New Delhi
31 May 2025, New Delhi: In a significant step towards bridging agricultural science and public health, Dhanuka Agritech Ltd., in collaboration with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), is organizing a one-day international seminar titled “Crop Protection Chemicals and Cancer.” The seminar, supported by Orchid Pharma Ltd., will take place on June 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Dr. Ramalingaswamy Board Room, AIIMS, New Delhi.
An Urgent and Timely Conversation
The seminar aims to initiate a scientifically grounded conversation on the contentious topic of pesticide use in agriculture and its potential links to cancer. At a time when food security, public trust in crop protection chemicals, and the well-being of farming communities are under increasing scrutiny, the event seeks to promote transparency, risk evaluation, and dialogue among scientists, policymakers, health professionals, and industry leaders.
High-Level Participation from India and Abroad
The event brings together a distinguished panel of experts from India and across the globe. The day will begin with opening remarks by Dr. D. Kanungo, former Additional Director General at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, who will also serve as the moderator throughout the seminar. Mr. Ganendra Gongal, Senior Public Health Officer from the World Health Organization (WHO), will address the seminar, followed by presentations from leading researchers and medical professionals such as Dr. Rakesh Pandey from CIMAP, Lucknow, and Dr. Pawan Gupta, Director of Surgical Oncology at Max Hospital.
Adding to the international depth of the seminar, Dr. Peter D. Loke from the Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Singapore, will speak on building public confidence in pesticide use. The session will also feature insights from Dr. Michael Dourson, President and Director of Science at TERA (Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment), Cincinnati, USA, who will deliver a virtual presentation on advanced carcinogen risk assessment methodologies. Dr. J.S. Thakur from PGI Chandigarh will also share his insights virtually.
Scientific Evidence and Public Health Concerns
Speakers will address critical topics ranging from the modes of exposure to cancer risks, toxicological assessments, regulatory oversight, and evidence-based health impacts. Dr. Sandhya Kulshrestha, a former expert from the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC), will offer her regulatory perspective, while Professor Y.K. Gupta, former Dean of AIIMS, will speak on the association and responsibility of chemical use in agriculture.
In the second half of the day, a panel discussion will be held, moderated by Dr. Kanungo, and will feature voices such as Dr. Vandana Trinathi, Principal Scientist and National Coordinator of the AR Network, Dr. Seema Singhal from AIIMS, Dr. Archana Sinha from CIB&RC, and Dr. Pawan Gupta from Max Hospital. This multidisciplinary panel will bring together expertise from the fields of oncology, gynecology, toxicology, and scientific regulation to debate and deliberate on pressing questions around pesticide safety.
Concluding the Dialogue
The concluding remarks will be delivered by Dr. D. Kanungo, summarizing the outcomes and highlighting the path forward in balancing agricultural innovation with public health safety. The formal vote of thanks will be given by Mr. Manish Dhanuka, Managing Director of Orchid Pharma Ltd., closing the day of rich discussions and knowledge exchange.
This first-of-its-kind seminar in India represents an important effort to uplift the image of the crop protection chemical industry while ensuring that scientific concerns related to cancer and chemical exposure are addressed transparently. The event is expected to serve as a meaningful platform for science-backed discussions, potentially shaping future policy and awareness on the safe use of crop protection solutions in Indian agriculture.
Also Read: National Roundtable Calls for Urgent National Policy on Weed Management to Safeguard Food Security
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