Dr. H. Pathak, Director, ICAR-NIASM extended a warm welcome to Dr. B. Venkateshwarlu, Chairman of the 9^th RAC, and the other distinguished members: Dr. S.M.K. Naqvi, Dr. N. Sarangi, Dr. D.K. Pal, Dr. C. Viswanathan, Dr. B.B. Barik, Dr. P.K. Ghosh, Director, NIBSM, Raipur (special invitee) and Dr. Jagadish Rane (Member Secretary). A comprehensive report about the overall research and development activities during the 2020-21 was presented by Dr. Pathak. This was followed by presentation of the Action Taken Report by Dr. Rane.  The Heads of the Schools comprehensively presented the achievements of the year 2020-21 and targets for next year of the respective Schools. Dr. Ghosh briefed about the progress of NIBSM and highlighted the scope for collaboration between NIASM and NIBSM. Dr. Venkateshwarlu, Chairman, RAC suggested to place emphasis on basic and strategic research to bridge the existing gaps in our understanding about abiotic stresses and providing methodology and intermediary products to support other institute in the system associated with abiotic stress research in agriculture. All the members of RAC gave very useful and specific suggestions for improving the research outputs of the Institute. Dr. Pathak expressed his gratitude to all the members of RAC for their suggestions and guidance. The mMeeting ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. Rane, Member Secretary, RAC.