Bengaluru
The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research hosted a three-day International Seminar focusing on Exotic and Underutilized Horticultural Crops: Priorities and Emerging Trends. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot inaugurated the seminar.
Addressing the distinguished assembly, Governor Gehlot lauded the ICAR-IIHR Bangalore as a pinnacle institution renowned for its fundamental and applied research in various horticultural crops. He expressed gratification in witnessing the widespread adoption of technologies developed within the institute, which now contribute over Rs. 30 thousand crore annually to the flourishing horticulture sector.
Highlighting the pivotal role of horticulture in agricultural progress, Governor Gehlot emphasized its substantial impact on income, employment, and nutritional yield per unit area. He celebrated the exponential growth of horticultural crop production from 25 million tons in 1950-51 to an impressive 350 million tons today.
Governor Gehlot acknowledged the limited geographic expanse conducive to the cultivation of certain under-exploited fruits and vegetables. Karnataka emerged as a vanguard state in horticultural pursuits, leading the nation in plantation crops and ranking prominently in the cultivation of fruits, spices, and the flower trade.
Former Deputy Director General of ICAR Dr. NK Krishna Kumar, ICAR Horticulture Additional Director General Dr VB Patel, Dr JC Raina, ICAR-IIHR Director Professor SK Singh and other notable dignitaries participated.
