Dimapur, February 24 (MExN): A 3-days National Seminar on 'Integrated Development of Horticulture in Sub-Tropical and Hill Region' was organized by Central Institute of Horticulture, Nagaland in collaboration with Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat and co-sponsored by National Horticulture Board, Gurgaon at Horticultural Research Station, Kahikuchi, Guwahati from February 17 to 19.
The seminar focused on streamlining and setting the agenda for horticultural development in sub-tropical and hill regions while deliberating on recent technological innovations in the horticulture sector.
Addressing the inaugural session as chief guest, Dr SK Malhotra, Agriculture & Horticulture Commissioner in the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, said the horticulture sector plays a pivotal role in ensuring food, livelihood and nutritional security in the country. Focusing on various schemes for the development of the agri-horti sector, he said climate-smart horticulture is the need of the hour.
Dr. AK Singh, Managing Director of National Horticulture Board & guest of honor, underlined the importance of high-tech horticulture and blending of technologies to enhance productivity and quality of horticulture commodities.
Dr. Lallan Ram, Director of Central Institute of Horticulture, Nagaland, in his welcome address, highlighted the potential of the sector in the Northeast. Special remark was given by Dr. NK Mohan, Chief Consultant, CIH & Dr. Elizabeth Saipari, Joint Director, Department of Horticulture, Mizoram and vote of thanks was pronounced by Dr. Sarat Saikia, Chief Scientist of Horticultural Research Station, Kahikuchi.
The souvenir and other publications were released by the chief guest and guest of honor during the inaugural programme.
A total of 9 technical sessions & a session on poster presentation were conducted where eminent scientists from all over the country presented 10 lead papers, 23 oral presentations and 17 poster presentations during the seminar. Over a hundred delegates from twenty states of India participated in the event.
During the closing programme, the Chairman of all the technical sessions presented the report & recommendations made during the session. The closing programme was chaired by Dr. K K Jindal & co chaired by Prof. Sisir Mitra.
