The Centre for Advanced Faculty Training in Horticulture (CAFT) at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, recently concluded a 21-day National level advanced training programme focused on 'Nutritional Security through Diversified Vegetable Production.' The program saw the participation of 17 scientists from various universities and institutes across the nation, all sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Emphasis on Vegetable's Role in Sustainable Development
Dr. Sanjeev Chauhan, Director of Research and Chief Guest of the event, underscored the critical importance of vegetables in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in eradicating poverty, eliminating hunger, and promoting good health and well-being. Dr. Chauhan emphasized that vegetables play a vital role in dietary systems and are pivotal in fulfilling nutritional requirements. He urged participants to prioritize agricultural extension efforts and work towards developing replicable models that cater to the needs of farmers, especially small and marginal ones.
Guest of Honour, Dr. UK Kohli, former Dean College of Horticulture, highlighted the significance of vegetables in crop diversification and acknowledged the challenges encountered in mass propagating certain vegetable varieties. Both speakers outlined future strategies aimed at developing successful technologies and cultivars for diversified vegetable production with enhanced nutritional values. They stressed the urgency of swiftly developing innovative technologies and ensuring their transfer to farmers to enhance productivity and ensure nutritional and health security for the country's growing population.
Recap of Training Programme
Dr. Happy Dev Sharma, Director of CAFT and Head of the Department of Vegetable Science, presented a comprehensive report on the training programme. He noted the participation of scientists from Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. Eminent scientists delivered talks on cutting-edge research aspects of diversified vegetable production and nutritional security during the programme.
Dr. Sharma highlighted that CAFT has been conducting such advanced training programmes since 1994, with over 600 scientists benefitting from them. The training programme concluded with the distribution of participation certificates to the trainees and the release of a compendium summarizing the training content. Dr. Meenu Gupta, Co-Coordinator, extended a vote of thanks to conclude the event.
Notable figures such as Dr. Manish Sharma, Dean of College of Horticulture, Dr. CL Thakur, Dean of College of Forestry, and Dr. KK Raina, Librarian, along with Heads of Departments and faculty members, also actively participated in the training programme.
