2nd International Crop Science Congress, New Delhi

Crop

Technical Data

Date of Issue November 17, 1996
Denomination Rs. 2
Quantity 700000
Perforation comb 13 x 13½
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Multicolor
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 1524

Stamp Number IN 1583

Yvert et Tellier IN 1292

Stanley Gibbons IN 1688

Themes

Commemorative Stamp Set: 2nd International Crop Science Congress

Design Elements:

  • Main Image: The stamp features a mural design symbolizing the theme of crop productivity and sustainability. The rectangular green boundary represents agricultural productivity, while the central red circle signifies the sun, the ultimate source of energy for crops.
  • Central Symbol: A test tube with a sprouting plant, intertwined with an outlooping DNA strand, symbolizes the integration of modern genetic engineering and plant tissue culture techniques in agriculture.
  • Additional Imagery: Wheat grains at the top of the stamp represent abundant food production, a nod to the critical role of agriculture in ensuring food security.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

  • Agricultural Heritage: India has a long history of agricultural innovation, from traditional farming practices to the Green Revolution. This stamp highlights India’s ongoing commitment to agricultural research and development.
  • Global Collaboration: Hosting the 2nd International Crop Science Congress in India emphasizes the country’s pivotal role in global agricultural research. It reflects India’s leadership in addressing global food security challenges through sustainable practices and advanced crop science.
  • Sustainability and Innovation: The stamp underscores the importance of sustainability in agriculture, particularly as new challenges such as population growth and climate change emerge. It also highlights the potential of modern technologies, such as genetic engineering, to meet these challenges.

Usage:

  • Postal Services: This commemorative stamp can be used for both domestic and international postage, serving as a symbol of India’s dedication to agricultural advancement.
  • Educational Tools: The stamp and its design can be used in educational contexts to teach about the importance of sustainable agriculture, the role of crop science in food security, and the significance of international scientific collaboration.
  • Philatelic Collections: Collectors interested in themes of science, agriculture, or global cooperation would find this stamp a valuable addition to their collections.

Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set:

  • Recognition of Agricultural Science: The stamp set recognizes the contributions of agricultural scientists and workers who have been instrumental in advancing food production and ensuring food security in India and worldwide.
  • Promotion of Sustainable Practices: By highlighting the themes of productivity and sustainability, the stamp set promotes awareness of the need for sustainable agricultural practices to meet future food demands.
  • Global Scientific Collaboration: The stamp also symbolizes the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges in agriculture, highlighting India’s role in fostering such partnerships.

Example of the Stamp Design:

  • The stamp features a vibrant mural with a green boundary symbolizing productivity, a red circle representing the sun, and a central motif of a sprouting plant in a test tube, overlaid with a DNA strand. Wheat grains at the top signify bountiful harvests. The text “2nd International Crop Science Congress” and the dates “17th to 22nd November, 1996” are inscribed at the bottom.

The commemorative stamp set might include:

  • Multiple Denominations: Stamps of different denominations featuring various aspects of crop science, such as genetic engineering, traditional farming methods, and sustainable practices.
  • Special Edition Covers: Covers with detailed explanations of the mural design, information about the Congress, and India’s role in agricultural research.
  • Informational Brochure: A brochure accompanying the stamp set, outlining the history of agricultural advancements in India, the significance of the Congress, and the themes of sustainability and innovation in crop science.

Significance:

  • This commemorative stamp set highlights India’s ongoing commitment to advancing agricultural science and ensuring global food security. It celebrates the contributions of scientists and agricultural workers, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and the potential of new technologies in shaping the future of agriculture.