Dr. Triolchan Mohapatra, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR, New Delhi inaugurated the Golden Jubilee Building and Project Coordinator (Fruits) Building on 20th March, 2021. In his inaugural address, DG appreciated various remarkable technologies developed by ICAR-IIHR. He emphasized the need for proper communication of these innovations to the media. He also emphasized for preparation for ICAR–100 with a proper plan of action. He suggested the scientists to re-define their approach and focus on export, food safety and quality standards. Further, DG appreciated the good work carried out during the last 5 years under the dynamic leadership of the Director, ICAR-IIHR, Dr. M.R. Dinesh and requested all the participants to give him a standing ovation. The house gave a standing ovation to Dr. M.R. Dinesh, Director, ICAR-IIHR for his selfless and committed services.
Deputy Director General (HS), ICAR, New Delhi in his remarks as Guest of Honour highlighted the impact of various technologies developed by ICAR-IIHR and he made a mention of Dogridge rootstock which played a major role in grape cultivation in Maharashtra and Karnataka. He stressed that the need of the hour is emphasis on horticulture sector to double the farmers Income. Further, he pointed out that ICAR-IIHR has shown a model for dissemination of technologies by conducting mega event like National Horticulture Fair – 2021 (NHF-2021) with the theme “Horticulture – For Start Up and Stand Up India”.
Dr. M.R. Director, Director, ICAR-IIHR in his remarks informed the house that institute works on 54 horticulture crops and has also released more than 300 technologies of which more than 40% have been commercialized. He also thanked the Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR and DDG (HS), ICAR, New Delhi for their continuous support in completing both the buildings by approving in the 2017-20 EFC.
Sri. S.N. Rai, Chief Engineer, CPWD in his remarks emphasized the need for detailed specification to be given before taking up any construction work. He also informed the house that the work has been completed well in time.
During the function, two farmers’ varieties of jackfruit and tamarind; and e-book on Rose were released and Arka Samachar was inaugurated. Two farmers who maintained the elite genetic stock Sri. Ravindra Hebalur and Sri Lakshmana of Thovinakere, Tumkuru District who maintained the elite genetic stock of jackfruit and tamarind respectively were felicitated during the occasion.
Dr. Anil Kumar Nair welcomed and Dr. T.S. Aghora, Incharge PME Cell gave the formal vote of thanks.
