The three-day International Seminar on Exotic and Underutilized Horticultural Crops: Priorities & Emerging Trends” was inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot in the afternoon of 17th October, 2023 at ICAR-IIHR, Hessarghatta, Bengaluru. The Hon’ble Governor in his speech appreciated and congratulated the efforts made by ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru for organizing this seminar and creating awareness among farmers and other stakeholders about the latest and emerging trends in the sector of exotic and underutilized horticultural crops. He expressed happiness that the production of horticultural crops is increased 14-fold from 25 million tonnes in 1950-51 to around 350 million tonnes at present, which is more than food grain production. Although horticulture crops cover only 18% of the area, this sector contributes to 35% of the agricultural gross domestic product (GDP). Governor opined that the country is going to shine in all sectors including agriculture, horticulture and milk production and will become Vishwaguru. Five publications were released on the occasion and one MOU on technology transfer of Arka Kamalam RTS Beverage was presented to the Licencee by the Hon’ble Governor.
Professor Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director of ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru welcomed the chief guest and the delegates and briefed about the achievements of the institute, and the background and importance of organizing the 3-day seminar. Dr. N. K. Krishnakumar, Former DDG (Horticultural Sciences), ICAR, New Delhi in his address emphasized the need for scientifically dealing the biodiversity for the benefit of mankind. Dr. J.C. Rana, Country Representative, Alliance of Bioversity International highlighted the importance of Local food systems in the era of climate change. Dr. V. B. Patel, ADG (Fruits and Plantation Crops), ICAR, New Delhi emphasized that IIHR is a front runner in many aspects of horticultural research including exotic and underutilized horticultural crops.
A total of 400 delegates participated in the seminar including representatives from countries like America, Australia, UK, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Korea and Zambia. The participants included around 220 scientists, 160 students and 40 RA/SRF’s from 24 states representing 71 universities. There were deliberations on various theme areas such as genetic improvement, production management, post-harvest management, nutraceuticals and biotic and abiotic stress management in fruits, palms, vegetables, tubers, root crops, flowers, medicinal, aromatic and spice crops. There was a separate theme on farmer, scientist and entrepreneurs interface meet for popularising these group of crops. The seminar also witnessed a huge participation from the farmers and entrepreneurs side accounting for around 150 numbers. An exhibition was arranged to exhibit the varieties and technologies developed at various institutes to the participants.
The 3-day seminar covered a total of 21 technical sessions in 3 crop groups. The first day (17.10.23) had two technical sessions in Fruits and Palms, and one each in group of Vegetables, Root, Tuber crops and group of Flower, Medicinal, Aromatic and Spices on genetic improvement. On18.10.23, three technical sessions genetic improvement, production management and post-harvest management in all crop groups. The final day (19.10.23) had also three technical sessions on biotic and abiotic stress management, technology assessment and farmer and scientist and Entrepreneurs Interface Meet in all the crop categories.
The valedictory session of the seminar was held in the evening of 19th October, 2023. Dr. T. Janakiram, Vice Chancellor, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, V. R. Gudem. Andhra Pradesh served as the chief guest. Professor Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru welcomed the guests and summarised about the successful conduct of the seminar mentioning the participation details and delegations made. Further, guest of honour, Dr. B.N.S Murthy, Ex- Horticultural Commissioner, Government of India expressed his contentment highlighting the importance of underutilized horticultural crops in national economy and congratulated for the conduct of the seminar. Dr. K.S. Mahesh, Chief General Mangaer, NABARD, Bengaluru in his address mentioned about the diversity of horticultural crops especially underutilized crops in India and emphasized that the agricultural sector is bound by 4M’s i.e., monsoon, method, marketing and money and that is where NABARD is playing a key role in providing money or financial support to the stakeholders. He also mentioned about the initiation of fixing unit prices for certain important crops like avocado which will help in financing the farmers taking up its cultivation. He also spoke about the Capacity building for adoption of technology (CAT) initiative of NABARD under which they are doing the capacity building programmes. Dr. Balagandhi, Director (Ag &FW), Govt of Puducherry was also Guest of honour and congratulated the team ICAR-IIHR and conveyed his best wishes for the future programmes. This was followed by the presentation of major recommendations which has come out of the three-day deliberations followed by presentation of oral and poster awards to the participants by the dignitaries. Dr. T.Janakiram, the chief guest of the function, congratulated the team ICAR-IIHR for organizing the timely seminar on underutilized and exotic horticultural crops and emphasized the need for prioritizing the research and development in these crops across the NARS system. The session ended with vote of thanks by Dr. G. Karunakaran, Organizing Secretary, ISEUHC, 2023.
