ICAR-AICRP organises its Eleventh Group Discussion

22nd-25th January 2024, Gujarat

The XI Group Discussion of the ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Fruits took place from 22nd-25th January 2024, at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat.

Dr. V.B. Patel, Assistant Director General, (Fruits and Plantation Crops), inaugurated the event. Dr. Patel highlighted the project's significance in contributing to the fruit sector in India. He suggested programme reorientation to address current needs and emphasised meeting safety standards for domestic and international markets.

Dr. Zinabhai P. Patel, Vice-Chancellor, NAU, Navsari, reiterated the effective methods for addressing biotic stress and crop diversification.

Dr. V.A. Parthasarathy, Former Director, ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, emphasised the role of State Agricultural Universities in providing technologies for local farmers, maintaining observation databases, and ensuring quality publications.

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General, (Horticulture Science.), ICAR, spoke about the need for quality production, exploring new areas, addressing climate challenges and relevance of alternate site for germplasm conservation, and utilizing the potential of indigenous crops for enhanced foreign earnings during the valedictory session.

Dr. R. Selvarajan, Director, ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Dr. Kaushik Banerjee, Director, ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Dr. Bikash Das, Director, ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, Dr. T. Damodaran, Director, ICAR- Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Dr. Jagadesh Rane, Director, ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Dr. B.M.C. Reddy, Former Director, ICAR-IIHR, ICAR special invitees, Non-Official Experts were also present during the ceremony.

During the 4-day deliberations, six entries were recommended for CVRC notification, including TBM-9, Phule Pride, NCR 17, Phule Mosambi, Kodur Sathgudi, and Palur-1 jackfruit. Additionally, Crimson Seedless, Fantasy Seedless, Red Globe grapes, Muttomvarikka, and Gumless Jackfruit were recommended for inclusion in the PoPs of the university.

In the farmer's interaction meeting, issues related to mango flowering, increasing winter season production in sapota, the possibility of wine production in sapota, and mango irregular flowering were discussed.

(Source: ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru)