National Workshop on Cactus Pear Organized

21st March 2014, Jodhpur

Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur organized a National Workshop on ‘Cactus Pear’ on 21th March, 2014 to develop a network of cactus workers in India.

Dr. S.S. Roy, BAIF, Pune was the Guest of Honour on the occasion. He emphasized upon the need to understand requirements of adoption of cactus pear and possible funding for its farming and agro-processing through financial institutions like NABARD.

Dr. M.M. Roy, Director CAZRI highlighted the need for concerted efforts in a network mode so as to work out the details of complete value chain including production, processing and marketing.

Dr. Suresh Kumar, Head of Division gave a brief account of the efforts already done in India and the objective of the Workshop.

Earlier, Dr. Dipankar Saha, Senior Scientist welcomed the dignitaries.

Over 25 participants from BAIF, CRIDA, CSSRI, CIAH, CSWRI and NRC Camel participated in the workshop.  During the workshop, it was resolved to strengthen work on Cactus Pear on germplasm exchange, evaluation, adaptability and agronomic trials besides utilization studies involving livestock and value added products so as to provide environmental and economic benefits to people of arid and semi-arid regions of India.

Dr. P.R. Meghwal, Principal Scientist proposed vote of thanks.

(Source: CAZRI, Jodhpur)