Successful Brainstorming Session on Management of Non-Traditional & Key Horticultural Crops Held in Ch. Sambhajinagar

A significant brainstorming session on the "Management of Non-Traditional and Important Horticulture Crops" took place at the Fruit Research Station in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on August 31, 2024. The event, organized jointly by the Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, and the State Department of Agriculture, Ch. Sambhajinagar, gathered key stakeholders to discuss the pressing challenges, opportunities, processing, and marketing strategies for horticultural crops in the Marathwada region.

In his presidential address, Dr. Indra Mani, Hon. Vice Chancellor of VNMKV, Parbhani, highlighted several critical challenges faced by horticulturists in the region, including water scarcity, soil degradation, and pest management. He emphasized the "Farmer First" mission as a core strategy of his tenure and outlined various developmental initiatives and reforms implemented under his leadership.

Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner, Government of India, New Delhi, who attended as the Chief Guest, discussed the latest policy developments being enforced from the farmers' perspective. He encouraged the cultivation of fruit crops with functional and therapeutic values, advising farmers to explore new opportunities in this field. Dr. Tukaram Mote, Joint Director of Agriculture, Ch. Sambhajinagar, underscored the need for enhanced infrastructure and technology to support advanced research, which in turn would improve crop yields and the quality of horticultural produce.

Horticulture Experts Dr. Prakash Patil explored the potential of high-density plantation in mango cultivation, while Dr. Dinesh Kumar advocated for diversifying crop varieties and improving market access through digital platforms. Shri Anant Jawale, former Horticulture Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra, now a farmer, shared his personal experience with date palm cultivation, emphasizing the importance of government policies in supporting horticultural development.

The session also highlighted the importance of establishing community or cluster processing units to reduce post-harvest losses and increase value-added products. Concepts like protected cultivation and vertical farming were discussed by Dr. Murtuza Hasa, while Dr. Nagpal Lohakare from APEDA, Mumbai, presented strategies for better marketing, including branding, direct-to-consumer sales, and farm registration for export through the Hortnet platform.

The conference concluded with actionable recommendations from experts like Dr. Madhukar Pordar, Dr. P.K. Singh, Dr. Prakash Tripathi, and Dr. D.M. Panchbhai, aimed at bolstering the horticultural sector in the Marathwada region, fostering sustainable practices, and improving the livelihoods of local farmers. Dr. Khizar Baig, Director of Research at VNMKV, Parbhani, delivered the preamble, while Dr. V.S. Khandare extended the vote of thanks. The event was well-attended by officers from the Department of Horticulture, College of Horticulture Parbhani, NARP, KVK, FRS, ARS Badnapur, Shri Prakash Deshmukh (SAO), students, and farmers.