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National Online Training on “Conservation, management and utilization of horticultural genetic resources for livelihood and nutritional security” inaugurated by Padma Bhushan Dr.R.S.Paroda

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The inaugural programme of 5 days national online training on “Conservation, management and utilization of horticultural genetic resources for livelihood and nutritional security” was held on 22nd November, 2021 virtually. The programme started with the welcome and introduction by Dr. P.E.Rajasekharan, Principal Scientist and the Training Drector. He welcomed the dignitaries and briefed about the need and purpose of conducting this training and also projected the profile of registrations that has happened across the country. This was followed by the remarks of guest of honour Dr.V.Ramnath Rao. Dr.Rao briefed about the significance of conducting this type of programmes related to genetic resources and also mentioned about related programmes that happened in the last few months. He opined that horticultural genetic resources have got a very significant role in the improvement of livelihood and nutritional security. Two e-publications were also released on the occasion: Inventory of registered horticultural germplasm from ICAR-IIHR and e-compendium of invited lectures and abstracts. This was followed by the inaugural address by the chief guest, Padmabhushan Dr.R.S.Paroda, Chairman TAAS and Former DG ICAR and secretary DARE . In his address, Dr.Paroda mentioned about the need to focus on the nutritional security in the wake of present pandemic situation. He expressed the importance of scientific management of genetic resources for its effective utilization. He also stressed on the need to develop global competitiveness with respect to human resources and also genetic resources which can open up new avenues for us. Dr. Paroda also highlighted the importance of laws and policy frameworks governing the management of plant genetic resources and also how to utilize these resources at times of vagaries like climate change, he also urged the importance of biofortification which can add value to the existing food basket and expressed the view that conservation has to be done for consumption. Dr. Paroda in his talk also appreciated the gene bank facility at ICAR-IIHR. He concluded his remarks with wishes for successful conduct of the programme. Dr. A.K.Singh, DDG, Horticultural Sciences, ICAR also made his remarks on the occasion and stated few areas of research which can be focused on for improving the horticultural productivity of the country. He also conveyed his wishes for the programme. The presidential remarks of the programme was made by Dr.B.N.S.Murthy, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru. Dr. Murthy elaborated on the plant genetic resources activities carried out by the institute and also briefed about the critical aspects involved in horticultural genetic resource management. Dr. Murthy explained about the various ex situ conservation methods adopted in the institute for the conservation of vegetatively propagated horticultural crops and the challenges involved in them. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr.M.R.Rohini, training convener. The programme was attended by around 200 participants and resource persons.