The four-day National Horticulture Fair (NHF) organized by ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) during February 5-8, 2020 was concluded on 8th February with a formal valedictory function. The function was graced by Dr. W.S. Dhillon, Assistant Director General (Horticulture - II), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Dr. K. Narayana Gowda, former Vice Chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Shri. S. R. Vishwanath, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister and MLA, Yelahanka Constituency and Shri. S.N. Rajanna, Director, National Horticulture Board.
Briefing about the NHF-2020, Dr M.V. Dhanajaya, Organizing Secretary, mentioned that this year’s NHF was a grand success with the participation of more than 60,000 farmers and other stakeholders representing 26 states. He narrated that the fair had 268 exhibition stalls, and live demonstrations and sale of seeds of the varieties developed by the ICAR-IIHR. This Fair had also taken care about the needs of the peri-urban horticulture through workshops on terrace gardening, organized by the Society for Promotion of Horticulture, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru. The Fair had demonstration of Mango-based Integrated Farming Systems.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Narayana Gowda, emphasized the need for establishment of cooperative societies for taking the farm produce to consumers on the similar lines of milk cooperatives. He congratulated Dr. M.R. Dinesh, Director, ICAR-IIHR, the Organizing Secretary and all the staff members of the institute for successful organizing the fair.
Dr. W.S. Dhillon, Assistant Director General (Horticultural Science - II) praised the wonderful work of ICAR-IIHR in bringing out and demonstrating farmer-friendly varieties and technologies to the farmers and other stakeholders. He expressed that only 17% of the technologies generated are reaching the farmers in the country, which needs to be addressed and this type of fairs will help in disseminating the technologies for use among farmers. He also suggested that the urban farmers and youth are showing interests in horticulture and they need to be supported and encouraged. Dr. Dhillon gave away the prizes for best exhibitors of the Fair, and congratulated all of them for showcasing the relevant technologies.
Dr. M.R. Dinesh, Director, ICAR-IIHR expressed his happiness for the grand success of the fair and thanked all those who made it possible. He also thanked the ICAR, New Delhi for supporting all the endeavors. Shri S. R. Vishwanath said that he is happy that the ICAR-IIHR, the internationally renowned institute of his constituency takes adequate and frequent steps in doubling the farmer’s income through such events. The fourth day of the event was attended by more than 20, 000 farmers, students and stakeholders.
