Bihar Agricultural University to Host National Fruit Research Workshop

Sabour: The Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, will host the 12th All India Coordinated Fruit Research Project’s annual workshop from February 11 to 14. Organized under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, the four-day event will bring together 150 senior scientists from across India to discuss advancements in fruit cultivation and production.

The workshop will be held in the university’s central auditorium and will be presided over by BAU Vice Chancellor Dr D.R. Singh. Deputy Director General (Horticulture) of ICAR, Prof (Dr) Sanjay Kumar Singh, will inaugurate the event. Key contributors to the workshop’s organization include BAU’s Director of Research, Dr A.K. Singh, National Project Coordinator (Fruits) Dr Prakash Patil, and senior horticulture scientists Dr Ravindra Kumar and Dr Ruby Rani.

The event will begin with the registration of participating scientists at 8.30 am, followed by the inaugural session at 10 am. After the opening ceremony, researchers will present findings from previous studies, leading into technical sessions scheduled from February 11 to 14.

In addition to scientific discussions, progressive farmers from Bihar will showcase their agricultural achievements. Anish Kumar from Begusarai district will present his work on Kumbh lemon plants.

The workshop is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing fruit farming in Bihar, contributing to the state’s economic growth. Discussions will focus on major crops such as mango, litchi, guava, banana, citrus fruits, jackfruit, sapota, grapes, papaya, and avocado. Scientists at BAU are also working on expanding fruit cultivation zones, with ongoing efforts to introduce avocado farming in Bihar, similar to how litchi production has been established in the Nilgiri region of South India.