Semir on development of horticulture in sub-tropical & hill region

GUWAHATI, Feb 17: A three-day tiol semir on Integrated Development of Horticulture in Sub Tropical & Hill Region was held at Horticultural Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Kahikuchi on the city outskirts today, stated a press release.

Organized under the patroge of Central Institute of Horticulture, galand, in collaboration with Assam Agricultural University, the semir intends to streamline and set the agenda for horticultural development in sub-tropical and hill regions including deliberations on recent technological interventions in the horticultural sector.

Addressing the iugural session of the semir, Dr. S.K. Malhotra, Agriculture & Horticulture Commissioner, Union Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare, remarked that the horticultural sector plays a pivotal role in the context of ensuring food, livelihood and nutritiol security of the country.

Apart from focusing on the various schemes for agri-horti development launched by the government in recent times, he also remarked that climate smart horticulture should assume prime importance in the backdrop of the changing climate regime.

Addressing the meeting, Dr AK Singh, Maging Director of the tiol Horticulture Board, underlined the importance of high-tech horticulture and blending of technologies for enhancing productivity and quality of horticultural commodities.

Dr. Elizabeth Saipari, Joint Director of Horticulture, Govt. of Mizoram, gave a brief account of the horticultural imperatives initiated in Mizoram.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. L. Ram, Director of the Central Institute of Horticulture, galand, highlighted the prospects and potentials of the horticultural sector in north east India. The iugural meeting was also addressed by Dr. N.K. Mohan, Chief Consultant of Central Institute of Horticulture and Dr. Sarat Saikia, Chief Scientist of Horticultural Research Station, Kahikuchi.

The three-day semir will see leading scientists and researchers of the country presenting a total of eleven lead papers in addition to 27 oral presentations and 31 poster presentations spread across nine thematic areas of the technical sessions. Over one hundred delegates from twenty states of the country are participating in the semir.