Why NextGen Hort-2021: From the Vice Chancellor’s Desk

World has witnessed rapid growth in the area and production of Horticultural crops over agricultural crops during the past decade. Horticultural output surpassed the food grains six years ago and since then growing interest in horticulture has been catalyzed by changing food consumption patterns, awareness on health benefits and growing income. Horticulture output is widening its margin against food crops with a profound impact on farm income, water utilization, land use, employment and entrepreneurship. Recent advances in micro irrigation, high density planting, rootstock breeding, canopy management, post harvest processing and value addition have empowered horticulture. This Conference which coincides with FAO's International Year of Fruits and Vegetables - 2021, will discuss the recent innovations and limitations in horticulture.

NextGen-Hort aims to bring together scientists and research scholars from leading academic institutions, private industries and other relevant organizations to share and exchange their experiences and research findings on all aspects of horticulture including concerns on production of horticultural crops, innovative breeding tools, protected and precision cultivation, mechanization, post harvest processing and value addition. With a four day program of high-quality scientific sessions, the Conference would provide an exceptional platform for horticulture stakeholders to discuss burning issues in the sector. Lead lectures, contributory oral as well as poster presentations and technology exhibitions are planned for the Conference.

The deliberations will lead to tangible outcomes which will enable formulation of research programs and policies to accelerate further development of horticulture.