- XXXIV- ANNUAL GROUP MEETING OF AICRP ON SPICE
AGM of ICAR- ALL INDIA COORDINATED RESEARCH PROJECT ON SPICES was formally inaugurated by Dr. S .V Suresha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, UHS, Bagalkot by watering a bush pepper plant on 30-10-2023 at COH, UHS Campus, Bangaluru. During his inaugural speech he emphasised on enhancing the export potential of spices by adopting Good Management Practices.
Dr. D. Prasath, Project Coordinator, ICAR-AICRPS welcomed the gathering of eminent scientists from various AICRPS centres across the country. AICRPS is the largest network of spices research covering 14 Agro- Climatic Zones and has 40 centres spreading across the country from Jammu & Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Dr. N. K. Krishnakumar, Former Dy. Director General (HS), was the Guest of Honour. He emphasised the need to address the pesticide residue in spices.
Dr. V A Parthasarathy former Director, ICAR -IISR emphasised on genomic resources conservation of spices. Dr S B Dandin Former VC UHS Bagalkot opined on crop diversification.
Dr . R Dinesh, ICAR- IISR remarked that spices production has increased by 21% with an enhanced area of 10% but the declining productivity, soil health, adulterants, lack of export surplus are the challenges faced by the spice sector. Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, ADG (HS),ICAR in his presidential remark commented that spices have the potential for doubling farmers income.
Best AICRPS centre award was conferred to SKN, College of Agriculture,Jobner, Rajasthan. Shri. Ramakanth Ramachandra Hegde,a progressive farmer was honoured for his endeavour in conserving indigenous land races and contribution in developing farmer variety ‘Sigandini’.
A database on spice varieties -“Spice Var” was launched which gives detailed information on the significant characters of the spice varieties. About 15 technical bulletins in various regional languages and Annual Reports of the AICRPS were released during the inaugural session. Dr H P Maheshwarappa DoR, UHS Bagalkot proposed a vote of thanks. An exhibition showcasing the genetic diversity and varietal wealth of spices was exhibited.aa
