International Conference On Horticulture : (ICH-2009)

International Conference on Horticulture (ICH-2009)                                                                                                    Prem Nath and Sundari Velu                                                                            Dr. P.N.Agricultural Science Foundation (PNASF).
                            Chairman, #9, 1st Cross, 1st Main, 1st Block, RMV 2nd Stage,
                                              Bangalore-560 094, Karnataka, India
                                                     E-mail:drpremnath@vsnl.net                                                                                                                                 ABSTRACT

The International Conference on Horticulture (ICH-2009) with the theme Horticulture for Livelihood Security and Economic Growth was held in Bangalore, Karnataka State, India during November 9-12, 2009. It was organized by Dr. Prem Nath Agricultural Science Foundation (PNASF), Bangalore in association with Vegetable Science International Network (VEGINET), Bangalore and University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore in collaboration with other national and international organizations.

The objective of the conference was to develop a plan to guide the development of cost-effective and efficient horticultural interventions to generate additional employment and income opportunities, crop diversifications through increased production and consumption of  horticultural crops, provide better food and nutritional security, and improve health status by prevention of non-communicable diseases and micronutrient deficient disorders, all leading to livelihood security of farmers, particularly small and marginal ones, and overall economic growth in the interest of both producers and consumers.

About 750 delegates from 40 countries including Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Central Asia, Europe, Middle East and United States participated in the deliberations of  the conference. There were 17 technical sessions including a seminar, covering six theme areas viz; Technological Domain; Institutional and Policy Support: Socio  Economic Domains; Producer – Consumer Domain; Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC); Challenges and Opportunities in Horticulture - Seminar; Plenary Session: Opportunities and Future Thrusts. A total of 650 presentations including 35 lead lectures, 250 oral and 365 poster presentations were given.

The Conference recognized horticulture as the second line of defense with cereals and legumes serving as the first line in the food domain. It was estimated and stated that horticulture (a) supports significantly to food security, (b) is the major contributor of nutrition security, (c) promotes good health, and (d) is source of employment generation - all leading to livelihood security and further economic growth. The recommendations will be presented during the lecture.