International Seminar on “Exotic and Underutilized Horticultural Crops: Priorities & Emerging Trends”

17th – 19th October 2023, Bengaluru

The International Seminar on “Exotic and Underutilized Horticultural Crops: Priorities & Emerging Trends” was organized at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru from 17th to 19th October 2023.

Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka Shri. Thaawarchand Gehlot inaugurated the conference in the presence of Professor Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, Dr. N.K. Krishna Kumar, Former Deputy Director General (Horticultural Sciences), ICAR, Dr. J.C. Rana, Country Representative, Alliance of Bioversity International and Dr. V.B. Patel, Assistant Director General (Fruits and Plantation Crops), ICAR.

Shri. Gehlot appreciated ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru creating awareness among farmers and other stakeholders about the latest technologies for sustainable production of exotic and underutilized crops. He accentuated that the production of horticultural crops has increased 14-fold from 25 million tonnes in 1950-51 to around 350 million tonnes and surpassed the food grain production. The Governor opined that in the days to come, the country is going to shine in all sectors including agriculture, horticulture and milk production and will become Vishwaguru.

Five publications were released on the occasion and one MOU on the technology transfer of Arka Kamalam RTS Beverage was presented to the Licencee by the Hon’ble Governor.

The major recommendations included in the seminar are:

• Task force committees may be constituted to accommodate research programs on underutilized crops in mainstream R&D institutions. Research and development may be strengthened in areas of bio-prospecting and value addition of underutilized crops for nutritional security and environmental sustainability to fulfil the sustainable development goals of FAO. A Centre of Excellence (COE) may be established at ICAR-IIHR for the important underutilized horticulture crops in line with the International Centre for Underutilized Crops, UK.
• Establishment of national as well as global network for mainstreaming conservation of underutilized fruit crops by way of establishing crop museums and identification and recognition of custodian farmers of underutilized fruit crops for linking the biodiversity with livelihood opportunities. PPV&FRA may initiate the registration of underutilized horticultural crops along with associated ITK.
• Emphasis has to be given to the diversification of food sources including underutilized vegetables to solve the hidden hunger through the development of nutrient-dense food/products using underexploited vegetables for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes in collaboration with CSIR institutions providing scope for export.
• There is a need to identify new potential native and under-utilised ornamental, medicinal, aromatic and spice crops, and to develop their production, protection and postharvest management practices and for their value for cosmetics, neutraceuticals and pharmacology.
• Development of dedicated clusters for identified exotic and underutilized horticultural crops by encouraging FPOs, and developing effective database and integrated markets with pilot plants for value addition to minimize losses and maximize the returns.

Dr. T. Janakiram, Vice Chancellor, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh was the Chief Guest for the valedictory session.

Dr. B.N.S Murthy, Ex- Ex-Horticultural Commissioner, Government of India, was the Guest of Honour.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Professor, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, Dr. K.S. Mahesh, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Bengaluru, Dr. Balagandhi, Director (Ag &FW), Govt of Puducherry, Dr. T.H.Singh, General Secretary SPH and Dr. G. Karunakaran, Organizing Secretary, ISEUHC, 2023 were present during the valedictory session.

A total of 400 delegates participated in the seminar including representatives from countries like America, Australia, UK, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Korea and Zambia.  The participants included around 220 scientists, 160 students and 40 RA/SRF’s from 24 states representing 71 universities. The seminar also witnessed a huge participation of 150 farmers and entrepreneurs.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru)