National Conference on “Food and Nutritional Security through Vegetable Crops in Relation to Climate Change”

9th December, 2017, Varanasi

To focus on the major issue of climate change and its impact of production and productivity of vegetable crops, a three-day National Conference on “Food and Nutritional Security through Vegetable Crops in Relation to Climate Change” was organized at ICAR- Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi.

Smt. Krishna Raj, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in her inaugural address appreciated the agricultural scientists for green revolution and their continuous efforts to feed the increasing population. She recommended the organic farming practices to reduce the damage of soil by chemical fertilizers and highlighted the importance of animal husbandry in agriculture. Smt. Raj also briefed about the Govt. schemes for farmers which will be taken up in future such as cold chain facility for vegetable crops, single window system for subsidies in agriculture sector. She acknowledged the role of horticulture in doubling the farmer’s income. The Minister distributed ISVS to distinguished scientists and progressive farmer. She also released the souvenir and abstract book of the conference along with technical bulletins and processed products like green chilli powder and Moringa soup powder.

Dr AK Singh, DDG (Horticultural Science), emphasized on effective marketing of vegetables and value addition for better income of farmers. He also emphasized on the need of reducing the post-harvest losses of vegetable crops.

Dr B Singh, the Director, ICAR-IIVR, highlighted the importance of vegetable crops and contribution of the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research.

Dr G Kalloo, Former DDG (Hort) advocated the adoption of modern breeding and biotechnological tools to develop the climate resilient crops.

Dr Kirti Singh, Former Chairman ASRB raised the issue of fluctuations in market price of vegetables and need of tackling the same to double the income of farmers.

Dr K V Peter, Former VC, KAU, Kerala also graced the occasion.

(Source: ICAR- Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi)