ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru organized the 2nd ICAR-IIHR Industry Meet-2024 in collaboration with SPH, BESST-HORT and IP&TM Unit, ICAR, New Delhi at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru on 24th October 2024. The programme started with the inauguration of ABI incubation unit and Exhibition. The exhibition showcased licensed technologies and products of various ICAR Institutes in the South Horticultural Zonal Technology Management Centres (SHZTMCs) together with the exhibits from various industries and incubatees. About 141 registered stakeholders participated in the programme including several industrialists, aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups and contributed to the success of the event.
Dr. B. L. Manjunath, Nodal Officer, ITMU, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru welcomed all the delegates from ICAR-South Horticultural Zonal Technology Management Centres (SHZTMCs), SAUs, government agencies and representatives from various industries. Dr. Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, in his introductory remarks, highlighted the lead role played by IIHR in technology commercialization, professional service functions and Agri-business Incubation in horticultural technologies. This was followed by special address by Guests of Honour Dr. KVSSLV Prasada Rao, CGM, NABARD, Bengaluru; Dr.V. B. Patel, ADG (Fruit and Plantation Crops), ICAR, New Delhi and Dr. K. G. Jagadeesha, I.A.S. CEO & Secretary, Coffee Board, Bengaluru and Dr. Vishnuvardhana, Vice Chancellor, U.H.S., Bagalkot. The Presidential address was delivered by the Chief Guest, Dr. Udham Singh Gautam, D.D.G. (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, New Delhi. Dr. Gautam congratulated the innovators, licensees and appreciated the efforts of ICAR-IIHR in organizing this Meet. He further described the horticultural research scenario in different ICAR institutes and appreciated the role of IIHR being a pioneer institute in technology commercialization and revenue generation.
There were MoU exchanges for licensing four ICAR-IIHR technologies namely ‘Okra Advanced breeding lines IIHR 385-5-1 & Okra Advanced Breeding line IIHR -386-7-2’ to M/s. Eldorado Agritech Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore; ‘Arka Jackolate’ technology to KVK, Hirehalli; ‘Arka Bhanu marigold hybrid’ to M/s Fertilizers Shop and ‘Arka Vertical Farming Model’ to Mr. Shivaprakash H.M., Bangalore. Two publications viz., ‘Souvenir of 2nd ICAR-IIHR Industry Meet 2024’ and publication from ABI, IIHR entitled ‘A glimpse of R & D recognition at IIHR’ were released by the dignitaries.
There were technical sessions commenced with Session I on ’Interactive session with Industries’, Session II on ‘Scope and prospects of Horticulture technologies for emerging market demand an Session-III on ‘Success stories of ABI/BESSTHORT incubates’. IIHR incubatees shared their experiences and success stories through Agri-Business Incubation, ATIC market facilities and mentorship provided to them by IIHR. Mr. Krishan G Thakur, Business Manager from Agrinnovate India Ltd. (AgIn), New Delhi highlighted the role of AgIn in technology commercialization, IP protection etc. and creation of public-private partnerships in research and other capacity building endeavors. In concluding session, recommendations of the three sessions were presented by the rapporteurs and finalized by Chairman, Dr. Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru.
From the Industry side the following companies registered and actively participated in the event. M/s. Sakata Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Zentron Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Global Green Agri Nova, M/s. Veeresh Innovation Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Rellow Foods & Feeds Pvt Ltd., M/s. Bhoomi Bioindustries, M/s. Pequrel Technologies, M/s. Shlokas Agro Pvt. Ltd. etc.
