ICAR-IIHR Bengaluru inaugurates HAL-ICAR-IIHR Seed Production Centre

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR) inaugurated several new buildings and facilities at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru marking a significant step forward for the horticultural sector in India.

Several key facilities were inaugurated at ICAR-IIHR, including a Post-Graduation Dining Facility (Rs. 42.83 lakhs), a Spawn Incubation and Capacity Development Center (Rs. 114 lakhs), a Plant Health Clinic (Rs. 108 lakhs) equipped to diagnose plant pests and diseases, an Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre (Rs. 12 lakhs) and a Centre of Excellence on Kamalam Fruit (Rs. 536.72 lakhs), and the IIHR Fruit Plant Mall (Nursery). These facilities mark significant strides in advancing horticulture research and practice at ICAR-IIHR.

The inauguration also included the HAL-ICAR-IIHR Seed Production Centre, supported by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under corporate social responsibility, as well as the Karnataka Exotic Fruit Farmers Association (KEFA).

Dr. Pathak, during his address, highlighted the significance of these facilities. He emphasised the vital role of research and innovation in agriculture.

In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Pathak was felicitated by ICAR-IIHR and by the farmers, reaffirming his pivotal role in advancing horticulture in India

Dr. V. B. Patel, Assistant Director General (Fruits and Plantation Crops) also graced the occasion.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director, ICAR-IIHR, briefed the institute's recent activities and accomplishments.

During the occasion, Zopui Consultancy in Mizoram and Wealth Capital Services in Hyderabad signed MoUs for the technology transfer of Ready to Serve (RTS) Beverages from Kamalam.

Directors of local ICAR Institutes, officials from HAL and KEFA attended the inauguration.