Bengaluru/New Delhi, January 7, 2024 - The Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, made his maiden visit to the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The visit facilitated crucial interactions between the Minister and stakeholders viz., farmers, students, and scientists for marking a vital step towards harnessing the vast potential of the horticulture sector.
Shri Munda inaugurated of the 'Techno-Expo,' showcasing ICAR-IIHR technologies, and the Farmers Facilitation Centre for central sector schemes under SCSP, STC & NEH and engaged in insightful discussions with stakeholders. Prof. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director of ICAR-IIHR, extended a warm welcome, highlighting the institute's commendable work on 54 horticultural crops. The research advancements aim to benefit farmers nationwide, including those in tribal-dominated areas and the North-Eastern States.
Appreciating the achievements of ICAR-IIHR, Shri Munda emphasized on the horticulture sector's potential for further growth and asserted that India could enhance its presence not only in the domestic market but also in global markets. The Minister stressed the importance of aligning production standards with international norms to ensure competitiveness.
In tandem with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's call to boost pulses production, Shri Munda highlighted recent initiatives, including the launch of a portal by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah. These efforts, he noted, are essential for fast-tracking technological support across various sectors to achieve self-sufficiency in all food grains.
Turning the spotlight on ICAR-IIHR's groundbreaking research, Shri Munda commended the institute for securing the top rank among over 100 ICAR-affiliated institutes. He acknowledged their outstanding contributions to horticulture research, teaching, and extension. The Minister stressed the significance of horticulture's evolution into an organized industry, playing a vital role in the Rs. 4 lakh crore agricultural product export market.
Highlighting the remarkable growth in horticulture production from 25 million tons in 1950-51 to 350 million tons in 2022-23, Shri Munda attributed this success to the adoption of new technologies and varieties. For ensuring the nutritional security of increasing population and addressing the challenges such as climate change and post-harvest losses, he called for sustained growth to meet the rising demand for quality and safe food products.
He highlighted the impact of ICAR-IIHR in tribal areas by disseminating eight major technologies in Jharkhand to improve the soil fertility and enhance nutritional status. The Minister fervently advocated for the backing of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) spanning 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, emphasizing their inclusion under the Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN).
The visit witnessed the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) formalized with organizations such as the Karnataka Exotic Fruit Farmer’s Association and Deccan Exotics India Producer Company Limited. Additionally, MoUs were established with Greenvault Ganga Pack Private Limited, in partnership with BEST-HORT, and Kalaisingam Academy of Research and Education for education and training.
Official publications from ICAR-IIHR, including "Hybrid Seed Production Techniques in Okra," "Production Technology for Cucumber Var. Arka Veera," and "Improved Technologies for Early and Off-season Cultivation of Vegetables and Fruit Crops for the Farmers of Jharkhand State," were officially released.
Smart farming kits and off-season production kits for dragon fruit cultivation were distributed to beneficiaries from Karnataka Exotic Fruit Farmer’s Association and Deccan Exotics India Producer Company Limited, contributing to the advancement of agricultural practices.
In his closing remarks, Honorable Union Agriculture Minister Shri Arjun Mundaji urged the scientists to align their activities with the vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and expressed his best wishes for ICAR-IIHR to achieve greater heights in the coming years.
Source: Nodal Officer (Media)& Nodal Officer (Publications), ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru
