Call to boost export-oriented vegetables at IIVR event

Varanasi: The ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi celebrated its 32nd Foundation Day on Wednesday.
Former vice-chancellor of JNKVV, Jabalpur (MP) and former DDG (Crop Sciences & Horticulture Sciences) Prof. Gautam Kalloo chaired the function. He appreciated the work done by ICAR-IIVR on the application of modern technologies such as genome editing, drone, artificial intelligence and geo-tagging of vegetables.
Speaking on the occasion, DDG (Horticulture Sciences), ICAR, New Delhi, AK Singh emphasized the natural and organic farming through science and technological interventions in trait-specific manner. Further, he talked about the promotion of export-oriented and quality rich vegetable varieties to increase foreign exchange reserves and to ensure human health, food, nutrition.
Dr. Major Singh, member, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi focused on the promotion of farmers producer organisations (FPOs) in vegetable crops in these areas based on the FPOs and market system of Maharashtra state.
IIVR director, TK Behera briefed about the research and development work at the institute including the extension activities undergoing at the institute. He spoke about the vegetable seed production through the ‘seed-village’ concept by farmers.