The 2^nd foundation day lecture by Dr. PS Naik, Former Director of IIVR, Varanasi, and the maiden Panel discussion by the recently formed Pune chapter of NAAS, held jointly with ICAR-NIASM and SARAS on 20th February, 2021 marked the beginning of two day celebrations of the 13th Foundation day of ICAR-NIASM. The Panel discussion on the topic 'Abiotic Stress Management in Maharashtra Agriculture'  was held in the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Auditorium of the institute and was also attended online by the participants and panelist. Dr Himanshu Pathak, the convener of the Pune chapter, NAAS steered the panel discussion with several rounds of discussion focused on the impact of abiotic stress on Agriculture, Livestock, Horticulture, Fisheries and Floriculture in Maharashtra State, their mitigation strategies and policy recommendation for abiotic stress research. NAAS fellows of Pune chapter,   Directors of ICAR institutes, Heads of regional stations and experts from SAU in and around Pune district from different disciplines attended the panel discussion online and offline. Dr.YS Nerkar, Ex-Vice Chancellor MPKV Rahuri Chaired the sessions. The panelist were Dr KV Prasad, Director, DFR, Pune; Dr Major Singh, Director, DOGR, Pune; Dr Jyotsna Sharma,  Acting Director, NRCP Solapur; Dr RG Somkuwar, Acting Director, NRCG, Pune; Dr K Bhilegaonkar, Head, IVRI-TEC, Pune; Dr KK Krishnani, Head, CIFE, Mumbai; Dr GK Mohapatra, Head, IARI-RS, Pune, Dr K Banerjee, PS, NRCG, Pune, Dr P Mukherjee, PS, BARC, Mumbai and Dr P Kulwal, Associate Proffesor, MPKV, Rahuri and Dr J.Rane, Head, SWSM, ICAR-NIASM, Baramati. Dr K Banerjee, Treasurer, Pune Chapter, NAAS and Scientific, technical and administrative staff along with YP, SRF, ICAR-NIASM, Baramati also attended the panel discussion.