Bangalore 31st May,2024-PHOTOS BY P K ANANTH KUMAR
This three-day long event is planned to Showcase diversity of about 300 mango, 100 Jackfruit and 100 Banana genotypes in collaboration with ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, from 31st May 2024 to 02nd June 2024.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, DDG (Horticultural Sciences) ICAR-Headquarters, New Delhi, was the chief guest and inaugurated the fair and highlighted the importance of Mango, Jackfruit and Banana for the livelihoods of farmers, socio-economical status, nutritional importance of these fruits, and other multifaceted uses of the fruits.
The diversity is key factor for achieving many milestones of production and productivity in India. While explaining the climate change and its impact on production of tropical fruits, Dr Singh elaborated about the export potential and necessity to develop and practice SOPs throughout the cycle of crop production
and the value chain. The involvement of literate youth into the production of horticultural
crops and extended activities of post harvest handling, processing and value addition would
lead to potential rise in fruit exports and revenue generation. He also emphasised on
international collaborations, especially with Australian council for exchange of faculty and as
a part of outreach academic programmes of the council.
Dr. Prakash Patil, Director, IIHR, spoke about the role of ICAR-IIHR and ICAR-NRC,
Banana, in collection, maintenance and improvement of diverse germplasm of Mango,
Jackfruit and Banana. He was also highlighted that this particular show is conducted to
educate farmers, private stakeholders and public sector organizations for potential
collaboration, exchange and improvement of production and value chain to attain best
possible outcomes for enhanced economic returns.
Dr. R. Selvarajan, Director, ICAR-NRC, Banana, Tirchi, Tamil Nadu, speaking about
cultural, sociao-economical and geographical aspects of Banana, said that Banana is regarded
as Kalpataru, whole of its parts utilised in one or the other way as part of our culture,
nutrition, and its by-products. India stands first in production and consumption of Banana
with huge export demand and where we have to focus for extending area and increasing
productivity of Banana.
Ms. Harriet white, Vice consultant from Australian consulate, Bengaluru appreciated the
efforts of ICAR-IIHR in conducting the Triphal diversity show and emphasised for bilateral
collaboration between India and Australia for mutual benefits in the field of Agriculture
Research and education.
Earlier Dr. Shankaran M. organising secretary of this show and HoD, Division of Fruit crops,
welcomed the dignitaries of the function, Dr. Madhavi Reddy, President, SPH, IIHR, Dr.
K.B. Dundi, Additional Director Fruits, Government of Karnataka, Dr. Sudarshan.S.D.,
Executive Director, CDAC and other dignitaries, farmers, entrepreneurs, students and
scientists were present during the programme.
On this occasion seven farmers were awarded with custodian farmers for their efforts in conserving Mango, Jackfruit and Banana Genotypes. Two MoU were also exchanged and two publications were released
