Indian Horticulture Congress
During the meeting of Executive Council of Horticultural Society of India held on 27 May, 2003, it was proposed to hold a National Horticultural Congress once in two years. The suggestions were invited from members, DDG and ADGs Horticulture, Directors of ICAR Horticultural Institutes, etc. The same was put up before the Annual General Body Meeting of the Society held on 30.08.2003 at CISH, Lucknow. The Society started organizing the Indian Horticulture Congress from 2004 preferably on 6th November each year, the day when the Society got registered, i.e. Foundation Day. Till date seven congresses have been held. The details of the congresses are given in the following pages
First Indian Horticulture Congress-2004, Improving Productivity, Quality, Post-harvest Management and Trade in Horticultural Crops, November 6-9, 2004, National Physical Laboratory and Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa campus, New Delhi
The First Indian Horticulture Congress-2004 “Improving Productivity, Quality, Post-harvest Management and Trade in Horticultural Crops” Improving was organized from November 6-9, 2004 at National Physical Laboratory and Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi. It was inaugurated by His Excellency, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh and the Chief Guest for the occasion, Dr Balram Jakhar, while Smt. Radha Singh, Secretary, Dept. of Agriculture and Co-operation (DAC), Government of India, Dr R.B. Singh, Member, National Commission on Farmers, Govt. of India and Dr Mangala Rai, Secretary, DARE and DG ICAR attended the Congress as Guests of Honour. Mr. M.J. Khan, Chairman CARD, Co-sponsor of the Congress and organizer of Horti-Food Expo-2004, alongwith it was also on the dais. The Congress deliberated on current issues pertaining to horticulture in 10 different sessions, i.e. Genetic Resources, Crop Improvement, Planting Materials, Improved Production Technologies, Plant Protection and solving of National Problems, Postharvest Management, Value-Addition, Domestic Marketing, International Trade and Policy Issues. Of the 120 invited lectures, 105 eminent speakers from national and international research organizations, private and public institutions, NGOs, representatives from industry and progressive farmers presented their papers in person. Over 500 scientists presented their research papers in different poster sessions pertaining to various sub-themes of the congress. The quality of invited papers as also research work presented by the scientists was of high quality and each session was well attended.
Concurrent to the Congress, an Exhibition entitled Horti-Food-2004 was organized by the Centre for Agricultural Research and Development, New Delhi, in which over 80 exhibitors from central and state government departments, NGOs, private companies etc. participated. Over 1,000 farmers from different states, visitors and State Govt. agencies are reported to have visited the Expo during the Congress period.
Second Indian Horticulture Congress-2007, Opportunities and Linkages for Horticulture Research and Development (Focus: NorthEastern Region), April 18-21, 2007, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Barapani, Meghalaya
The Second Indian Horticulture Congress-2007 on “Opportunities and Linkages for Horticulture Research and Development (Focus: NEH Region)” was organized at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Barapani, Meghalaya from April 18-21, 2007 in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region and Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), New Delhi The region was chosen owing to the huge potential and opportunities on development of horticulture hitherto untapped and the challenges and constraints in North-Eastern Region of the country. The organizing committee was chaired by Dr K.L. Chadha, while Dr K.M. Bujarbaruah, Director, ICAR-RCNEH and Dr V.B. Patel, were convener and co-convener, respectively. The congress was inaugurated by His Excellency, Mr. Ajai Singh, Governor of Assam, while S.M. Desalphine, Additional Secretary, DAC, Ministry of Agriculture, Presided over the function and Dr M.L. Choudhary, Horticulture Commissioner, GoI and In-charge, Technology Mission for NE Region was the Guest of Honour. The first ever HSISivashakthi Life Time Achievement Award was presented to Dr K.L. Chadha, Former DDG (Horticulture) ICAR and National Professor (Hort.), ICAR for his monumental contributions to the Horticultural Sciences. Immediately after the Inaugural function, President, HSI delivered the Special Lecture entitled “Horticulture Revolution: Need for Focused Priorities and Effective Monitoring”. The Congress was a grand success in bringing together researchers, extension workers, policy planners, corporate & agri-business representatives, progressive farmers/ orchardists, small and big entrepreneurs, NGOs, SHGs and development practitioners. During the four day deliberations an effort was made to assess the overall strengths of the NE region in Horticulture Sector as a whole so that, the new emerging challenges and opportunities could be identified, linkages forged and future strategies to further
boost horticulture development of the country worked out. There were over 425 participants including 12 foreign participants from Bangladesh, South Korea and Uzbekistan and participants from several international organizations like IPGRI, CIP, AVRDC, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh etc.
During the Congress Expo Horti-Food-2007 was also organized by the Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), New Delhi to showcase services and products of different institution and industry. There were over fifty participants in the Horti-Food Expo 2007 who made an impressive display of produce and technologies for the delegates and other visitors. About three thousand visitors benefited from the expo.
Third Indian Horticulture Congress-2008, New R&D Initiatives in Horticulture for Accelerated Growth and Prosperity, November 6-9, 2008, Bhubaneswar, Orissa
The Third Indian Horticulture Congress-2008 on the theme New R&D “Initiatives in Horticulture for Accelerated Growth and Prosperity” was organized from November 6-9, 2008 at Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. The Congress was inaugurated on 6 November, 2008 at Dr M.S. Swaminathan Conference Hall, OUAT, Bhubaneswar. His Excellency, the Hon’ble Governor of Orissa, Mr. M.C. Bhandare and His Excellency, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Balaram Jhakhar graced the occasion along with other noted dignitaries Sh. Pratap Singh Rane, Ex-Chief Minister, Goa; Smt. Vidya Stokes, Ex-Speaker, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh; Mr. S.K. Patnaik, Jt. Secretary, Agriculture & Director, National Horticulture Mission, Dr K.L. Chadha, President, the Horticultural Society of India; Dr Kirti Singh, Senior Vice-President, Horticultural Society of India; and Prof. Debi Prasad Ray, President, Orissa Horticultural Society and Vice-Chancellor, OUAT, Bhubaneswar. A number of distinguished invited speakers gave an overview of topics related to the new initiatives in horticulture research and development for accelerated growth and prosperity in 10 different sessions, namely, New Research Initiatives in Horticulture, New Development Initiatives in Horticulture, Planting material, Maximizing Production and Productivity I & II, New Emerging Crops, offseason production of Horticultural crops, Biotechnological interventions, Postharvest management and Value-addition and Climate change and Horticulture . The congress enabled to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas among researchers, academicians, policy makers, development workers and industry professionals, etc. involved in growth of horticulture sector.
The Indian Society of Agribusiness Professionals organized a mega horticultural exhibition concurrently with the 3rd Indian Horticulture Congress. The exhibition showcased new initiatives in horticulture research and food processing sector. The event also created awareness about the potential in the state horticulture and food processing sector and explored the opportunities for flow of investment and technologies.
Fourth Indian Horticulture Congress-2010, Horticulture, Horti-Business and Economic Prosperity, November 18-21, 2010, NPL Auditorium, Pusa Campus, New Delhi
The Fourth Indian Horticulture Congress-2010 titled “Horticulture, HortiBusiness and Economic Prosperity” was organized at NPL Auditorium, Pusa Campus, New Delhi from November 18-21st, 2010. The Congress was inaugurated by Dr M.S. Swaminathan, Hon’ble, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Chairman, MSSRF, Chennai. Dr K.L. Chadha, President, the Horticultural Society of India, while welcoming the guests and delegates, narrated the trajectory of growth of Horticulture since 1980, fund allocation, infrastructure strengthening, status of developmental activities, innovative technologies, introduction of new crops, new varieties and hybrids, availability of planting material, post-harvest technologies, value-addition, and opportunities, constraints and suggestions in Horti-business, and policy issues in India. Mr. Sanjeev Asthana, Chairman, National Skills Foundation of India in his remarks observed that the demand for different horticultural commodities for nutritional and health security was increasing and accordingly horticultural produce/ products can play a vital role. He stressed the need for policy support for skill development in this sector. He indicated the need for Public Private Partnership in promoting Horti-Business and promoting farmers’ prosperity. The congress had 16 Technical Sessions besides the Inaugural and Valedictory Sessions and 83 invited papers were presented and discussed. About 400 scientists presented their research papers in different Technical Sessions pertaining to various sub-themes of the Congress. The quality of invited papers as well as the research work presented by the scientists was of high quality and each session was well attended. Based on the presentation and discussions important recommendations were made.
The Chief Guest, Dr M.S. Swaminathan inaugurated the Exhibition and visited the stalls to get the glimpse of the horticultural development taking place in the country. There were over 60 participants representing central government agencies, state horticulture deptts, industries, NGOs, publishers etc. in the HortiExpo-2010, which showcased the latest technologies, products and services so as to forge linkages and awareness among the delegates and visitors. The expo was attended by over 2000 visitors, delegates and farmers. The exhibition was organized by the National Skill Foundation of India, New Delhi concurrently with the congress.
Fifth Indian Horticulture Congress-2012, Horticulture for Food and Environment Security – An International Event, November 6-9, 2012, Pal Auditorium, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
The Horticultural Society of India, New Delhi in association with Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana organized Fifth Indian Horticulture Congress-2012 at PAU, Ludhiana on the theme “Horticulture for Food and Environment Security – An International Meet”during November 6-9, 2012. The Congress was inaugurated
on 6th November, 2012 with the lighting of lamp by the Chief Guest, Dr Balram Jakhar, former Governor, Madhya Pradesh, former Speaker, Lok Sabha and former Union Minister for Agriculture; Dr M.S. Swaminathan, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Dr V.L. Chopra, former Member, Planning Commission, GoI and DG, ICAR; Dr S.S. Johl, Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bhatinda, Punjab; Dr Ashok Gulati, Chairman, CACP, GoI and Former Director, IFPRI Regional Office Asia; Dr Norman E. Looney, Board Chair, Global Horticulture Initiative and Former President, ISHS; and Dr Gurbachan Singh, Chairman, ASRB. Dr K.L. Chadha, President, HSI, Chairman, National Organizing Committee, Dr B.S. Dhillon, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Chairman, Local Organizing Committee greeted the guests and gathering. Dr A.K. Singh, National Organizing Secretary and Head, Division of Fruits & Horticultural Technology, IARI, New Delhi and Dr D.S. Cheema, Secretary, Local Organisng Committee and Dean, College of Agriculture, PAU proposed the vote of thanks. The Congress was a grand success and was truly an international confluence which brought together researchers, students, extension workers, policy makers, corporate agri-business representatives, progressive farmers, orchardists, entrepreneurs, NGOs, SHG representatives and development practitioners. During the four day event, deliberations were made to assess the overall strengths of the horticulture-led development and preparedness to meet the future challenges confronting this sector in the country. Issues like International and national research, use of biotechnology, innovative horticulture technologies, abiotic and biotic stresses, post harvest management and marketing, new emerging challenges like nutritional security, climate change etc. were discussed in different technical sessions. There were over 600 participants including six foreign speakers from Canada, USA, Italy, Austria, Australia and international organizations like Bioversity International, IFPRI etc. During this occasion, an exhibition Horti-Tech-2012 was also co-organized by
the HSI and the Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development, New Delhi to showcase services and products of different institutions and industries related to horticulture. The Chief Guest, Dr Balram Jakhar, inaugurated the exhibition and
visited the stalls to get a glimpse of the exhibits. There were over 30 participants representing central government agencies, state horticulture departments, industries, NGOs, publishers etc. who showcased the latest technologies, products and services. It was visited by over 3,000 visitors, delegates, students and farmers during its four days period.
Sixth Indian Horticulture Congress-2014, Horticulture for Inclusive Growth – An International Event, 6-9 November, 2014, CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex, Coimbatore
The Horticultural Society of India, New Delhi in association with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore organized the Sixth Indian Horticulture Congress-2014 titled, “Horticulture for Inclusive Growth” from November 6-9, 2014, at CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex, Coimbatore in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The Conference was inaugurated by His Excellency, The Governor of Tamil Nadu, Dr K. Rosaiah. In the Inaugural Session, conferment of HSI Awards and Honorary fellowships was done. Inaugural Session was chaired by Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Mr. Ashish Bahuguna, Secretary to Govt. of India, addressed the gathering as Guest of Honour. Dr K.L. Chadha, President, HSI and Chairman, Organizing Committee welcomed the dignitaries and delegates. Dr K. Ramasamy, Vice Chancellor of TNAU proposed the Vote of Thanks. There were 10 Technical Sessions on major themes, 10 Plenary Lectures besides one session on Student Interactive and another on Farmers-Scientists Interaction. The Congress was a grand success which brought together over 850 researchers, students, extension workers, policy makers, corporate & agri-business representatives, progressive farmers, orchardists, entrepreneurs, NGOs, SHGs representatives and development practitioners. During the four day event, scientific deliberations were made to assess the overall strengths and gaps of the horticulture-led development in the country and its role in ushering inclusive growth in the country. Issues like horticultural crops and their role in food, nutrition and health, biotechnological interventions, innovative horticultural technologies, mitigating threats of climate change and efficient management of abiotic and biotic stresses, mechanization, postharvest management, marketing, retail and export, new challenges in research, education, and extension etc. were discussed in different sessions. The overseas participants from Canada, USA, Israel, Singapore, and Sri Lanka also participated in the Congress.
Seventh Indian Horticulture Congress-2016, Doubling Framers Income thorough Horticulture – An International Meet, November 15-18, 2016, Dr B.P. Pal Auditorium, Pusa Campus, IARI, New Delhi
The 7th Indian Horticulture Congress-2016 an International Meet – “Doubling Framers Income thorough Horticulture” was organized by the Horticultural Society of India, New Delhi at Dr B.P. Pal Auditorium, Pusa campus, IARI, New Delhi from November 15-18, 2016. The Congress was inaugurated by Shri S.S. Ahloowalia, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India in august presence of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, Eminent Agricultural Scientist and Chairman of the Advisory Committee; Dr Gurbachan Singh, Chairman-ASRB, Dr A.K. Singh, DDG (Agril. Extension & Horticulture Sci.), ICAR; and Dr K.L. Chadha, President HSI and Chairman Organizing Committee, Dr Ravindra Kaur, Director IARI, New Delhi, Dr Manmohan Attavar, Chairman, M/s Indo-American Hybrids Seeds, Bengaluru, and Dr Pritam Kalia, Organizing Secretary.
Eighth Indian Horticulture Congress-2018(19), Shaping Future of Indian Horticulture, January 17-21, 2019, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
The eighth Indian Horticulture Congress-2019 ‘Shaping Future of Indian Horticulture’ was organized by the Indian Academy of Horticultural Sciences, New Delhi at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh during January 17-21, 2019. The Congress was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govt. of Chhattisgarh Shri Bhupesh Baghel in the presence of Smt Sakuntala Sahu ,MLA, Govt. of Chhattisgarh, Dr K.L. Chadha, President, IAHS, Dr S. K. Patil, Vice-Chancellor, IGKV, and other dignitaries.