To focus on the major issue of climate change and its impact of production and productivity of vegetable crops, a three days National Conference on “Food and Nutritional Security through Vegetable Crops in Relation to Climate Change” is being organized at ICAR- Indian Institute of Vegetable Research at ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi.
The conference was inaugurated by Hon’ble Smt. Krishna Raj, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India. The occasion was graced by the presence of Dr Kirti Singh, Former Chairman ASRB; Dr G Kalloo, Former DDG (Hort) ICAR; Dr AK Singh, DDG (Hort. Sci.), ICAR and Dr K V Peter, Former VC, KAU, Kerala.
Smt. Krishna Raj praised the scientists of agriculture field for green revolution and their continuous efforts to feed the increasing population even under adverse changing climatic conditions. She promoted the organic farming practices to reduce the damage of soil by chemical fertilizers and highlighted the importance of animal husbandry in agriculture. She said the cows are an integral part of agriculture that helps in organic farming. She 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 farmers income. On this occasion several awards of ISVS were distributed by Hon’rable Smt. Krishna Raj to distinguished scientists and progressive farmer. Smt Krishna Raj 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 emphasized on effective marketing of vegetables and value addition for better remuneration to farmers. At the same time he pointed out the need of reducing the post-harvest losses of vegetable crops. Dr B Singh, the Director of the institute, welcomed the chief guest, and all the delegates of the conference. Further, he highlighted the importance of vegetable crops and contribution of the Indian institute of vegetable Research. Dr G Kalloo advocated the adoption of modern breeding and biotechnological tools to develop the climate resilient crops. Dr Kirti Singh raised the issue of fluctuations in market price of vegetables and need of tackling the same to double the income of farmers.