Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister, today visited the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) located in Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru.

During a review meeting held at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the global demand for flowers, vegetables, and fruits is surging and India must become Atmanirbhar in their production. In this regard, the Minister emphasized that there should be more research in the horticulture field.

The Minister gathered information regarding new varieties of fruit plants such as mango, custard apple, jamun, apple and lemon and noted that the consumption of fruits across the country is high. Therefore, research should focus on the fruit varieties that have a longer shelf life and are suitable for processing. The Minister instructed horticulture scientists to conduct experiments and research on plants that possess resistance to climate change, viruses, bacteria and other diseases.

Currently, foreign varieties of vegetables and fruits are also being grown in India, and these experiments have been successful. Therefore, in this sector, exports should increase. Underlining the need for programs to provide training to farmers on a regular basis,  the Minister assured that more grants would be provided for this purpose. Prior to the review meeting, the Minister visited gardens in the premises of the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, where he gathered information about the breeds of various varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Additionally, the Minister held an interaction with farmers.

 

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