ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru celebrated its 56th Institute Foundation Day program on September 05, 2022, which was also webcasted through zoom and YouTube platform. The program commenced with ICAR and IIHR theme songs followed by invocation. Dr. Debi Sharma, Director (A), ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru delivered her welcome address and also briefed about the IIHR achievements during the past year. She briefed about the new varieties of fruit, vegetable and flowers and various other technologies released and also those in pipeline. Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA and Chief Guest of the function delivered the foundation day lecture on the topic “Boosting agricultural and horticultural export”. In his talk, he explained the development of horticulture over a period of time that has brought a tremendous change in Indian economy. However, exports from India in this sector remain low and a very small fraction of total global exports of such commodities. He emphasized on the impact assessment of horticultural products vis-à-vis trade and export and also on the need for development of sea protocols. He also expressed his appreciation for the state of art facilities and the exhibition which he visited at IIHR. He congratulated all the staff who have contributed immensely towards the development of horticultural sector and wished for collaboration between APEDA and IIHR. Dr. Debi Sharma, Director, ICAR-IIHR and Dr. Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA exchanged the signed copies of the MOU between ICAR-IIHR and APEDA.
The session was followed by felicitation of chief guests and retired staff of ICAR-IIHR in different categories. The Director also felicitated Dr. K. Madhavi Reddy, Principal Scientist & I/C Head, Division of Vegetable Crops, ICAR-IIHR, who was conferred with the National Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research, ‘Punjabrao Deshmukh Outstanding Women Scientist Award 2021’ and Dr. Kamala Jayanthi P.D., who was appointed as ‘ICAR National Professor’. Director also awarded the ‘Best Farmer award’ to five innovative farmers: Mr. Raj Halappa, Ms. Babuni Sahoo, Mr. Sreedhara C.Y., Mr. Lokesh and Mrs. Jayalakshmi, who have adopted ICAR-IIHR technology, earned more income and became role models to fellow farmers. On this occasion, best Staff (Technical/ Administration/ SSS), Best Teacher and Best Student awards were also distributed. Prizes were distributed to the winners of foundation day sports event.
Dr. Vikramaditya Pandey, Assistant Director General (HS-I), ICAR, New Delhi, guest of honour, in his virtual address congratulated the ICAR- IIHR staff on Institute Foundation Day and conveyed his best wishes for future endeavours. Dr. C.K. Narayana, CEO, BESST-HORT proposed vote of thanks to all who were involved in successfully organizing the Institute Foundation Day. Directors and staff of various Institutes, scientists and staff of IIHR, retired staff and other participants joined the program from auditorium and also through zoom and YouTube. The program was coordinated by Dr. G.R. Smitha, Nodal Officer and members of Sports and Staff Welfare Committee. Post lunch a dazzling cultural event was also organized in which staff as well as students participated.
