The Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) is set to host a three-day National Horticulture Fair at its Hessarghatta premises on the outskirts of Bengaluru from March 5 to 7, 2024. With the theme “Nextgen technology-led horticulture for sustainable development,” the fair emphasizes the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies in horticultural practices to enhance sustainability and elevate farmers’ income.
Collaborative Efforts for Progress
The National Horticulture Fair 2024 is a collaborative effort between ICAR-IIHR, the Society for Promotion of Horticulture (SPH), BESST-HORT (a Technology Business Incubator ICAR-IIHR), ICAR-ATARI Bengaluru, and prominent development departments dedicated to the advancement and promotion of horticulture and related sectors.
Showcasing Technological Advancements
The fair will serve as a platform to showcase the country’s latest technologies in the horticulture sector, including smart irrigation systems, controlled environment management, vertical farming, resource optimization for enhanced crop yield, environmentally friendly practices, and digital horticulture. These technologies aim to minimize ecological footprints and foster efficient and environmentally friendly horticultural practices for sustainable development.
IIHR’s Pioneering Contributions
Founded in 1967, ICAR-IIHR has played a crucial role in conducting basic, applied, and strategic research on horticultural crops. The institute focuses on 58 horticultural crops, releasing 354 varieties and 156 technologies to date. With 176 technologies commercialized to 746 clients through 1,250 licenses, IIHR has organized over 850 training sessions and seven National Horticulture Fairs, contributing over Rs. 30,051 crores annually to the nation’s horticulture sector.
Hands-on Training and Workshops
The fair will offer hands-on training and workshops covering various aspects of horticulture, providing practical knowledge and skills to attendees for the implementation of the latest technologies in their respective fields.
Honoring Contributions
A key highlight of the event will be the recognition of 25 individuals, including farmers, entrepreneurs, and staff members from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, for their outstanding contributions to the horticulture sector. The honors will acknowledge their pivotal role in advancing sustainable practices and technological integration.
Enhancing Farmers’ Income
The overarching objective of the National Horticulture Fair 2024 is to augment farmers’ income and ensure the production of high-quality horticultural goods. By adopting the latest technologies and sustainable practices showcased at the fair, farmers can increase crop yields, reduce input costs, enhance produce quality, and access better market opportunities, leading to improved profitability.