Hyderabad, March 17: Dr. Venkatesh Devanur, a Hyderabad-based agri-biotech entrepreneur and scientist, has been elected President of the World Neem Organisation (WNO) at the recently concluded 3rd International Neem Summit – 2026 and the 4th Global Neem Trade Fair, held in Pune.
The summit and trade fair were organised by the World Neem Organisation (WNO) and brought together researchers, industry representatives, farmers, and neem enthusiasts from across India and several other countries.
The World Neem Organisation is an international non-profit body dedicated to promoting the neem tree and its benefits for agriculture, health, the environment, and industry. The organisation serves as a global platform for individuals and institutions working with neem to share knowledge, research, and resources while promoting the wider use of neem worldwide.
The key objectives of WNO include:
- Promoting neem cultivation and plantation globally
- Encouraging research on neem’s medicinal and agricultural benefits
- Supporting the production and commercialization of neem-based products
- Raising awareness about neem’s role in sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and environmental protection
Dr. Venkatesh Devanur has been actively involved in several agriculture-related organisations. He is the founding member and secretary of the BioAgri Inputs Producers Association (BIPA), one of the world’s oldest trade bodies in the bio-agriculture sector. 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) and is widely recognised as a pioneer in India’s bio-pesticide and organic agriculture industry, leading companies that develop eco-friendly crop protection and soil health solutions.
The summit was attended by several distinguished guests, including Justice K. K. Tated, Chairman of the Animal Rights Commission, Government of Maharashtra, Dr. B. N. Vyas, President of WNO, along with leading scientists, industry representatives, and farmers.
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 launched to benefit neem seed and fruit suppliers, emphasizing the significance of proper collection and value addition within the neem supply chain.
The event witnessed participation from more than 150 delegates from India and overseas. Eminent scientists and experts presented research papers on the role of neem in agriculture, human health, cancer research, and other critical areas, creating opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry.
