Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore jointly with Society for Promotion of Horticultural Science and Technology (SoPHoST) organized two days international conference on “ Futuristic Horticulture (ICFH’ 24)” from 14.11.2024 to 15.11.2024 at Horticultural College & Research Institute, TNAU.
A total number of 400 Scientists, students attended the conference. Nine Experts from five countries such as USA, Malaysia, Australia, Israel and Nepal have participated in this conference. Dr.P.Irene Vethamoni, Dean, Horticultural College and Research Institute, as Convenor & Chief Organizing Secretary of the Programme welcomed the gathering and highlighted about the conference theme.
Dr. V.Geethalakshmi, Vice Chancellor, TNAU presided over the inaugural function. In the presidential address, while highlighting the importance of Horticulture, she insisted upon providing the nutritious food to the growing younger generation. Climatic aberrations are the top challenges in Horticultural Crops. High density planting in fruit crops with good canopy management practices, tissue culture, vertical and indoor farming, residue free cultivation, value added products, off-season fruits, vegetables and flowers to be concentrated in the near future.
Dr.Danda Raji Reddy, Vice-Chancellor, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, in his chief guest address established that horticultural crops have more avenues than agricultural crops for exploration and in future, only horticultural crops are going to rescue the farmer’s livelihood. Existing technologies with minimum interventions like round the year production, hi-tech practices, nanotechnology, balance fertilizers, organic farming etc.
Dr.K.V. Prasad, Director, ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune, Dr.S.Senthilnathan, Chairman and Managing Director, Acsen, Hy-veg were also addressed the gathering.
Dr.V.Geethalakshmi, Vice-Chancellor, TNAU was awarded with Frontiers in Agrl.Meteorology and Dr.P.Irene Vethamoni, Dean (Hort.) with Excellence in Horticulture. Other scientists, Dr.S.Muthulakshi, Dr.J.Auxcilia, Dr.S. Haripriya, Dr.K.S.Vijay Selvaraj,Dr. R. Arun Kumar bagged the best scientist award for the contributions in Horticulture.