ICAR-IIHR Achieves a Horticultural Advancement Milestone with Inauguration of New Buildings and Facilities

ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru, in a momentous event, witnessed the inauguration of several new buildings and facilities on August 30, 2023.

The event was graced by the presence of Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR, marking a significant step forward for the horticultural sector in India.

Several key facilities were inaugurated at ICAR-IIHR, including a Postgraduation Dining Facility (Rs. 42.83 lakhs), a Spawn Incubation and Capacity Development Center (Rs. 114 lakhs), a Plant Health Clinic (Rs. 108 lakhs) equipped to diagnose plant pests and diseases, an Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre (Rs. 12 lakhs) and a Centre of Excellence on Kamalam Fruit (Rs. 536.72 lakhs) through MIDH, and the IIHR Fruit Plant Mall (Nursery). These facilities mark significant strides in advancing horticulture research and practice at ICAR-IIHR.

The inauguration also included the HAL-ICAR-IIHR Seed Production Centre, supported by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with an investment of Rs. 2.53 crores under corporate social responsibility, as well as the launch of the Karnataka Exotic Fruit Farmers Association (KEFA).

During the inauguration, Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh, the Director of ICAR-IIHR, welcomed the guests and provided a comprehensive account of the institute's activities and accomplishments.

Dr V. B. Patel, ADG - Fruits & Plantation Crops, ICAR conveyed his best wishes to ICAR-IIHR, which is set to celebrate its Foundation Day on September 5, 2023. He wished the institute many more laurels in the future.

During the occasion, M/s Zopui Consultancy in Mizoram and M/s Wealth Capital Services in Hyderabad signed MoUs for the technology transfer of Ready-to-Serve (RTS) Beverages from Kamalam fruits.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, during his address, highlighted the significance of these facilities. In recognition of his contributions, Dr Himanshu Pathak was felicitated by ICAR-IIHR and by the farmers, reaffirming his pivotal role in advancing horticulture in India.

Dr Pathak expressed his gratitude and optimism for the future, emphasizing the vital role of research and innovation in agriculture in general and the horticulture sector in particular.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr B.R. Gulati, Director, ICAR-NIVEDI, Dr S.N. Sushil Director, ICAR-NBAIR and Dr V. Venkatasubramanian, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Dr. Deepaja JDA (KSDA, Government of Karnataka), D.S. Ramesh (Director, Horticulture, Government of Karnataka), V. S. Srinivas (Executive Director - FMD, HAL, Bengaluru), Shieney Singhal. Executive Engineer, CPWD, and KEFA President S.D. Babu Siddakumar.

Dr Prakash Patil, Project Coordinator, ICAR-AICRP on Fruits, proposed the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all the dignitaries and participants.