Venue : PG and Hi-Tech Horticulture Research Centre, UHS, Bagalkot,
Doddabettahalli, Vidyaranyapura, Next to GKVK Campus,
Bangalore-560 097
Date : 28th - 30th May 2010

The National Conference and Swadesh Prem Jaagriti Sangoshti along with Horti Expo – 2010 and Mango Mela jointly organized by Lt. Amit Singh Memorial Foundation (LASMF), New Delhi and University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka in collaboration with Bio-diversity International, Rome, Italy with the support of ICAR, NHB, NHM, TMNE, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), GoI and NHRDF was held between 28th to 30th May, 2010 at UHS Campus, Vidyaranyapura, Bangalore.

The event was inaugurated by His Excellence Sri Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Guruji of Art of Living, Bangalore. Distinguished guests of honour Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India; Chairman, Karnataka Krishi Mission, Govt. of Karnataka; Shri Bhola Prasad Singh, Hon'ble Member of Parliament and Former Minister, Govt. of Bihar, Hon'ble Minister of Cooperative, Govt. of Bihar; Deputy Director General (Edn.), ICAR, New Delhi and Chairman, World Noni Foundation, Chennai addressed the gathering at the opening ceremony.

Day-I, there was national exhibition on Horti Expo-2010 in which 135 exhibitors along with 15 stalls on mango mela was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Govt. of Karnataka along with DDG and Vice Chancellor, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot. The Chief Minister visited NCPAH stall and PFDC personnel explained use of plasticulture in horticulture, centrally sponsored schemes on Micro Irrigation, National Horticulture Mission and major activities carried out by the Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDC), UAS, GKVK, Bangalore.

NCPAH with the help of PFDCs participated in 18 sqm stall to showcase plasticulture applications, GoI schemes – MI / NHM, specially made literatures on plasticulture applications and precision farming in Kannada & displayed NCPAH and PFDC activities. There were Charts showing benefits of the plasticulture applications, financial assistance available to the farmers through State Department of Horticulture, live flowers and vegetables and Greenhouse model ( single span and double span naturally ventilated polyhouses), major components such as filters, fertigation unit, components of drip irrigation, plastics mulch material, different shade nets, cladding material etc were displayed for the visitors. During the event, PFDC personnel at NCPAH stall highlighted NCPAH activities & major achievements of PFDC on precision farming & plasticulture applications in the state of Karnataka. Hon;ble Chief Minister, Govt, of Karnataka while visiting NCPAH stall was given literature on various plasticulture applications and notebook on precision farming of NCPAH. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of PFDC with the support of NCPAH and providing required technical & extension support to the State Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture and requested the PI, PFDC to provide technical support for the proposed Micro Irrigation Federation in Karnataka.

During three day more than 3000 farmers from neighboring districts along students, researchers, business delegates, govt. officials, NGOs, entrepreneurs etc got exposure to precision farming & plasticulture applications in horticulture along with GoI schemes on Micro Irrigation & National Horticulture Mission (NHM).

Day-II, The 'National Conference on Horticultural Biodiversity for Livelihood, Economic Development and Health Care' was inaugurated on 29th May, 2010 by Shri H.R. Bharadwaj, His Excellency, Governor, Govt. of Karnataka & also inaugurated the 'Mango Mela'. About 50 varieties of mango were displayed for the benefit of visitors.

Day- III, the Concluding and Award Ceremony of Swadesh Prem Jaagriti Sangoshti-2010 and the National Conference was conducted during which, the summary of the conference wherein papers were presented by the eminent scientists and speakers on various aspects of biodiversity and economic development were highlighted.

Consequent to the mango mela, a mango eating competition was also held wherein the students, farmers and few of the delegates participated.

The event would bring awareness on commercial cultivation of horticultural crops by adopting precision farming practices & plasticulture applications for crop diversification contributing to bio-diversity.

Visitors got exposure on protected cultivation – such as use of naturally ventilated Greenhouse, Shade net house, Low tunnel for nursery, flowers & vegetables.

Uses of micro irrigation for more crops per drop with focus on water savings, fertigation for improving quality & yield.

PFDC, Bangalore to contribute technical and extension support to state agri / horti departments and proposed Micro Irrigation Federation in the state.