Horticultural Crop Production Surpasses Food Grain Productions

The Government’s proactive policies and farmers’ untiring efforts ensured the horticultural crop production to surpass the food grain productions for 5 consecutive Years. Dr. A.K. Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticultural & Crops Sciences), ICAR lauded the enterprising farmers of Maharashtra for their significant contributions in the horticultural sector’s growth.

The ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune in association with the other ICAR Sister Institutes of Pune organized a “Stakeholders Meet” at the ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes.

A number of issues raised by the stakeholders pertaining to the current crisis of onion shortfall, rising input costs, IPR and plant breeder’s rights, import of new varieties, media formulations, graft compatibility, requirement of seed villages, quality planting material, emerging pest problems, traceability were effectively dwelt by Dr. Singh.

Dr. A.K. Singh, highlighted about the horticultural sector’s steady growth and its significant contribution to the Indian economy. He also highlighted about the Policy issues including subsidies on cladding material, planting material cost, higher GST on some of the components, structural changes in greenhouse designs, etc., that are being addressed in the Ministry at appropriate level. He urged the growers to frequently interact with the ICAR Institutes and adopt the latest technologies and interventions to maximize the returns.

Dr. K.V. Prasad, Director, ICAR-DFR clarified the issues related to Plant Breeders Rights and Intellectual Property Rights.

Dr. Major Singh, Director, ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Rajgurunagar urged the farmers for adopting the ICAR-DOGR developed technologies to minimize the extent of losses in onion.

Dr. Jagdish Rane, Director, ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati highlighted the imminent threats of climate change.

Dr. Indu Sawant, Former Director, ICAR-National Research Centre on Grapes, Pune stressed on the need for adopting the bio-control measures developed so far.