Sabour/Patna: A four-day national conference on “Rapid Development of Horticulture for Livelihood Improvement in Amritkal” commenced at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, drawing participation from leading scientists, policymakers and academicians across India. The event, running from May 28 to 31, aims to develop innovative strategies to boost India’s horticulture sector and enhance rural livelihoods.
Inaugurating the conference, Dr Sanjay Kumar, Chairperson of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, highlighted the sector’s economic potential, noting that horticulture offers the highest profit per unit area. He welcomed the shift of Indian farmers from traditional food crops to high-value horticultural crops and called for improved marketing, branding and post-harvest processing. Dr Kumar proposed the establishment of GI-specific malls and retail outlets to showcase regional specialities and curb post-harvest losses. He also urged the sector to contribute to tackling malnutrition through crop diversification.
Dr H.P. Singh, former Deputy Director General (Horticulture), emphasised the need for collective action under the ‘Developed India’ vision, calling for the adoption of high-yielding, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient technologies. He introduced the expert lectures that will take place throughout the conference.
Former Vice Chancellor of Junagadh Agricultural University, Dr A.R. Pathak, commended the patriotism and efforts of the ASM Foundation, with commendations given to contributors in the field.
Dr S.N. Jha, Deputy Director General of Agricultural Engineering at ICAR, advocated focused research on crops like makhana and litchi, suggesting functional breeding to strengthen the impact of university-led research.
Dr Alok K. Sikka, India Representative of the International Water Management Institute, urged a transformative approach to achieve the goals of Vikasit Bharat by 2047. He underscored the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, stating that horticulture plays a vital role in India’s agricultural GDP.
Dr Fiza Ahmad, Director of Seeds and Farms at BAU and Organising Secretary of the conference, shared the university’s achievements, including the registration of 19 patents, 1 trademark, 56 farmer-developed varieties, and the issuance of GI postage stamps.
The conference also featured the release of several key research journals and publications. Scientists with notable contributions to horticulture were honoured during the session, which ended with a shared pledge to promote innovation, sustainability and inclusivity in the sector.
All dignitaries acknowledged the leadership of BAU Vice Chancellor Dr D.R. Singh for steering advancements in teaching, research, extension and training at the university.
