Amity Institute of Horticulture Studies and Research (AIHSR) and Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture (AIOA), under the aegis of Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) organized a “Two-day International Conference on ‘Recent Advances in Horticulture Research-2022 (ICRAHOR-2022)’”, from 8th August to 9th August 2022, at Amity University Uttar Pradesh, on the occasion of Horticulture Day.
The conference aims to provide a platform for ambitious new actions, innovative solutions and plans to transform the horticulture industry, t equip the researchers and students with the latest technology trends being followed in the horticulture sector and to develop a framework to strengthen food and nutritional security via horticultural products.
Delivering the Keynote Address during the Inaugural Session, Chief Guest Dr. A. K. Singh, DDG, Horticulture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Govt. of India, said, “Indian Horticulture is a vital part of Indian Agriculture. Today, India is one of the largest producers of agricultural produce, crop diversification and sustainability has made it possible. The role of technology and participation of public and private institutions has led to the growth of GDP and demand for horticulture products. However, despite increased productivity, India is still facing malnutrition and horticulture can play a key role in controlling the problem of malnutrition. The role of Science and Technology will be integral and therefore, the role of young budding scientists will also be very crucial for the growth of horticulture. Growing new varieties of crops and cutting down losses through science, technology and innovation is the need of the hour. Scientists and entrepreneurs have a bright future in the field of horticulture, but they need to develop their skills and undergo adequate training. Also, defining the goals clearly is very essential. With the growth of new crops such as dragon fruit, sweet potato, broccoli, etc., farmers can earn 3-4 times more and horticulture can contribute significantly to the total agricultural produce of the country.”
Addressing the gathering, Dr. (Prof.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, stated, “Like every other field, technology is paving the way forward in the domain of horticulture. Today, we have new techniques of growing crops and increase the production which were not available earlier. Production Technology, Machine Learning, Artificial Learning and Big Data Management are some of the ways to optimise food production, control food wastage and ensure smooth supply chain management. Research and development in Horticulture, along with innovation, will make India a leader in agricultural produce in the world. Deliberations by researchers, scientists, nutritionists, and industrialists on technology intervention, will help in the development of sustainable innovations and form the core framework of horticulture in India, by making it self-reliant and also a major supplier of food products and crops to other countries.”
Welcoming the guests at the Inaugural Session, Dr. Nutan Kaushik, Director General, Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation, averred, “With an unparalleled vision and dynamic leadership of our Founder President, Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, the Amity Institute of Horticulture Studies Research AIHSR, was established in the year 2010. Horticulture is considered the engine of growth as it provides nutrition to the masses. Horticulture in India contributes about 30 % of Agricultural GDP and its growth is double-digit. The share of horticultural food has increased to more than 50 percent in the food basket of consumers. Therefore, this sector needs more attention from policymakers, research institutions, and the corporate sectors.”
An “Abstract” consisting of submissions pertaining to conference themes and related areas, by the researchers, scientists, policymakers, academicians and students, was also unveiled at the Inaugural Session. During the two-day Conference, various interactive technical sessions by experts on “Smart packaging for Augmenting Shelf-life”, “Crop improvement leveraging molecular approaches” and “Valorization of Horticulture Bio-waste” and “Hi-tech Horticulture: Technology trends in focus”, will also be conducted amongst others. The event will bring together Scientists, Researchers, Entrepreneurs, Academicians, Nutritionists, Engineers, Horticulturists, Olericulturists, Floriculturists, Breeders, Industrialists, Quality Analysts and Technologists from all over the world to discuss the latest technological interventions, sustainable solutions for improving horticultural production, processing, nutritional security, quality and supply chain resilience.