National Fruit Research Workshop Begins at Bihar Agricultural University

Sabour: The four-day annual workshop of the 12th Group All India Coordinated Fruit Research Project, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, began at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, bringing together leading fruit scientists from across the country.

The event commenced with the ICAR song, followed by dignitaries taking their seats on stage. Attendees included BAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. D. R. Singh, Anand Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr. K. B. Katharia, former ICAR-IISR Director Dr. V. A. Parthasarathy, ICAR Chief Scientist Dr. P. C. Tripathi, and ICAR-NCIPM’s former Director Dr. Subhash Chandra, among others. The guests were welcomed with floral bouquets, shawls, and makhana (fox nuts), and the proceedings were conducted by Dr. Sarita Nahakpam.

In his address, Dr. Prakash Patil, Secretary and Project Coordinator (Fruits) at ICAR-IIHR Bengaluru, provided an overview of the research activities under the Coordinated Fruit Research Project, which operates across 49 centers nationwide. He highlighted the publication of 80 research papers last year. During the event, nine books were released, and seven progressive farmers were recognized for their contributions, including Soni Devi from Jharkhand and Sudhanshu Kumar from Pusa.

Dr. P. C. Tripathi commended the project’s 30-year journey and its collection of 35,000 fruit germplasms. Dr. K. B. Katharia praised BAU Sabour’s contributions to agricultural research, while Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticulture) at ICAR, described the workshop as a landmark event.

Dr. D. R. Singh outlined the history of the Coordinated Fruit Research Project, which began in 1972 and has contributed to increasing India’s fruit production to 352 million tonnes. He noted that BAU maintains 249 mango germplasms and highlighted Bihar’s unique agriculture roadmap. Calling for improvements in lychee and guava production, he urged ICAR to expand research to include crops such as water chestnut, avocado, and sapota.

The opening session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ravindra Kumar. The dignitaries also visited BAU’s Media Center to review Safarnama, a documentary produced by the university. The workshop will continue over four days, focusing on key discussions in fruit research and development.