Scientists trained in modern vegetable crop production

A 21-days advanced training programme on ‘New Innovations in Improvement of Vegetable Crops’ organised by the Centre of Advanced Faculty Training in Horticulture (Vegetables) concluded today at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni.

The training was organised by the UHF’s Department of Vegetable Science from where the centre has been operational for the past 23 years. Sixteen scientists from twelve research institutions located in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh participated in the training. Eminent scientists of the country delivered talks on cutting-edge research aspects of vegetable cultivation during this training. The deliberations focused on the state-of-the-art vegetable technology to match the food requirements of the increasing population.

Addressing the gathering during the valedictory session, Dr HC Sharma, UHF Vice Chancellor outlined the future strategies to develop successful technologies and cultivars of vegetables for the changing climatic conditions. He exhorted trainees and scientists for speedy development of new innovative technologies and its transfer to the farmers. Dr Sharma emphasised the urgent need for the increase in productivity and expansion of area under vegetables for nutritional and health security of the growing population of the country. He also stressed upon the need for the development of cost-effective technologies for protected cultivation of vegetable crops.

Dr AK Sharma, Director of the centre, informed that 28 such advanced training programmes on different research and development aspects of vegetables have been organised since the establishment of the centre, which has enabled over 500 scientists to upgrade their skills. The statutory officers of the university, including Deans of the Colleges of Horticulture and Forestry, heads of department and scientists were also present on the occasion. The training concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr YR Shukla, Professor and Coordinator of the programme.