The three days event of Triphal (Mango, Jackfruit and Banana) Diversity Show 2024 held at ICAR-IIHR, Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru witnessed a footfall of over 10,000 fruit lovers physically, whereas over 20000 enthusiasts enjoyed it through social media and reached lacks of interested people over print and electronic media. This three-day long event was organised to Showcase diversity of about 300 mango, 100 Jackfruit and 100 Banana genotypes in collaboration with ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, from 31st May 2024 to 02nd June 2024.
The Inaugural ceremony of Triphal diversity show was held on 31st May 2024 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru. Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, DDG (Horticultural Sciences) ICAR-Headquarters, New Delhi, was the chief guest and inaugurated the fair and highlighted the importance of Mango, Jackfruit and Banana for the livelihoods of farmers, socio-economical status, nutritional importance of these fruits, and other multifaceted uses of the fruits. The diversity is key factor for achieving many milestones of production and productivity in India. While explaining the climate change and its impact on production of tropical fruits, Dr Singh elaborated about the export potential and necessity to develop and practice SOPs throughout the cycle of crop production and the value chain. The involvement of literate youth into the production of horticultural crops and extended activities of post harvest handling, processing and value addition would lead to potential rise in fruit exports and revenue generation. He also emphasised on international collaborations, especially with Australian council for exchange of faculty and as a part of outreach academic programmes of the council.
Dr. Prakash Patil, Director, IIHR, spoke about the role of ICAR-IIHR and ICAR-NRC, Banana, in collection, maintenance and improvement of diverse germplasm of Mango, Jackfruit and Banana. He was also highlighted that this particular show is conducted to educate farmers, private stakeholders and public sector organizations for potential collaboration, exchange and improvement of production and value chain to attain best possible outcomes for enhanced economic returns.
Dr. R. Selvaraj an, Director, ICAR-NRC, Banana, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, speaking about cultural, socio-economical and geographical aspects of Banana, said that Banana is regarded as Kalpataru, whole of its parts utilised in one or the other way as part of our culture, nutrition, and its by-products. India stands first in production and consumption of Banana with huge export demand and where we have to focus for extending area and increasing productivity of Banana.
Ms. Harriet white, Vice consultant from Australian consulate, Bengaluru appreciated the efforts of ICAR-IIHR in conducting the Triphal diversity show and emphasised for bilateral collaboration between India and Australia for mutual benefits in the field of Agriculture Research and education.
Earlier Dr. Shankaran M. organising secretary of this show and HoD, Division of Fruit crops, welcomed the dignitaries of the function, Dr. Madhavi Reddy, President, SPH, IIHR, Dr. K.B. Dundi, Additional Director Fruits, Government of Karnataka, Dr. Sudarshan.S.D., Executive Director, CDAC and other dignitaries, farmers, entrepreneurs, students and scientists were present during the programme. On this occasion seven farmers were awarded with custodian farmers for their efforts in conserving Mango, Jackfruit and Banana Genotypes. Two MoU were also exchanged and two publications were released.
The valedictory programme was held on 2nd June,2024 in the Dr G S Randhawa auditorium of the institute. Prizes were distributed to the winners of quiz competition (Students) and recipe preparation competitions alongside distribution of certificates to the saviours of rich biodiversity of these three important fruit crop varieties. After distribution of prizes and certificates chief guest Sh.G Narayanaswamy, Ex Principal Chief commissioner of Central taxes, Bangalore division applauded the efforts of organizers in conducting such useful shows and also congratulated the whole agricultural research community for making the country self-sufficient in food production along with ensuring nutritional security.
Earlier Dr Venkatasubramanian, Director, ATARI, Bengaluru recalled the rich biodiversity of the country, which through the programmes like this show and by involving the vast network of 700+ Krishi vignan Kendra (KVK)s can be utilized to improve the lively wood of farmers and farm women by distribution of improved varieties and preparation of value-added products out of these three important fruit crops. Dr Prakash Patil, Director, ICAR-IIHR opined that the show has successfully helped the urban dwellers in cherishing the taste of quality fruits sold directly by Farmers and Farm Producer organizations.
