National Horticulture Fair 2024 is organized in Bengaluru, Karnataka

The National Horticulture Fair 2024 (NHF2024) is set to be a grand celebration of India's horticultural achievements and innovations. Organized by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, this mega event is scheduled to take place from March 5 to 7, 2024. In collaboration with various esteemed organizations, including the Society for Promotion of Horticulture (SPH), BESST-HORT a Technology Business Incubator of ICAR-IIHR), ICAR-ATARI Bengaluru, and leading development departments, NHF2024 promises to be a resounding success.

This prestigious fair aims to showcase the latest advancements, cutting-edge technologies, and groundbreaking research in the field of horticulture. It serves as a platform for industry experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to converge, exchange ideas, and explore new avenues for growth and innovation. With a focus on fostering sustainable practices and promoting entrepreneurial opportunities, NHF2024 is poised to catalyze the development of the horticulture sector in India.

Horticultural Innovations and Technologies

The National Horticulture Fair 2024 will unveil a plethora of horticultural innovations and technologies that are set to revolutionize the industry. One of the key highlights is the launch of 'Arka Nihira (F1) Hybrid,' a game-changing chili variety that boasts an impressive yield potential of 30 tonnes of green chili and 7.5 tonnes of dry chili per hectare. Resistant to Phytophthora root rot and Chilli leaf curl virus, this hybrid promises to be a boon for farmers and a significant step towards enhancing food security.

Another notable introduction is 'Arka Bhringraj,' a highly vigorous, erect plant type that produces a remarkable dry biomass yield of 6 to 6.5 tonnes per hectare. With a Wedelolactone content of 0.5 to 0.6 percent, this variety holds immense potential for the pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals industries, further diversifying the applications of horticultural products.

NHF2024 will also showcase the innovative 'Arka Vertical Farming Module,' a cutting-edge solution for urban agriculture and resource optimization. This 11-tiered vertical structure, with both side utility and each tier measuring 6 x 1 x 1 feet, offers a loading capacity of 2 tonnes. Designed for water efficiency, this module can save up to 80 percent of water and boasts an impressive benefit-to-cost ratio of 2.18, making it an attractive proposition for urban farmers and entrepreneurs.

Another highlight is the 'Arka Onion Bulblet Planter,' a labor-efficient and drudgery-reducing solution for onion cultivation. With a field planting capacity of 0.12 hectares per hour and simultaneous bund forming cum planting capabilities, this innovative technology promises to revolutionize onion farming, reducing labor requirements by 35 percent.

NHF2024 will also introduce the 'Vitamin D Enrichment Technology,' a fabricated low-cost device for ELM oyster mushrooms. This technology enables the enrichment of vitamin D levels in mushrooms by exposing them to UV-B light for a specific duration. Remarkably, 2.12 grams of mushroom exposed to 100 watts of UV-B light for 10 minutes can fulfill the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D, with enriched levels sustained for up to 6 months.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Value Addition

The National Horticulture Fair 2024 is not just about showcasing innovations but also about fostering entrepreneurial opportunities and promoting value addition in the horticultural sector. One such initiative is the 'Arka Fresh Cut Fruit Technology,' which offers Ready-to-Eat (RTE) options for jackfruit, pineapple, and papaya.

These RTE products are free from added preservatives and additives, ensuring a fresh and natural taste experience. With a shelf life of 8-10 days when stored at 8°C, this technology presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap into the growing demand for convenient and healthy food options.

In collaboration with BESST-HORT, the Technology Business Incubator of ICAR-IIHR, NHF2024 will provide a platform for budding entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in the horticultural sector. Incubation support, mentorship, and access to state-of-the-art facilities will be available to those interested in venturing into this dynamic field.

Furthermore, the fair will highlight various value-added horticultural products, such as processed fruits and vegetables, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. Experts from the industry will share insights on product development, market trends, and regulatory requirements, enabling entrepreneurs to stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

NHF2024 will also feature sessions and workshops focused on agri-tourism and farm-based entrepreneurship. Participants will learn about innovative business models, marketing strategies, and best practices for integrating tourism with horticultural activities. This holistic approach aims to promote sustainable rural development and create alternative income streams for farmers and rural communities.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

The National Horticulture Fair 2024 is not merely an exhibition but a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among industry stakeholders. The event will bring together leading researchers, scientists, policymakers, farmers, and industry professionals from across the country and beyond.

Through interactive sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will have the chance to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge collaborations that drive innovation and sustainable growth in the horticultural sector.

One of the key objectives of NHF2024 is to bridge the gap between research and application. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the fair aims to accelerate the transfer of cutting-edge technologies and research findings to the field, benefiting farmers and entrepreneurs alike.

Furthermore, the fair will provide a platform for farmers and growers to share their experiences, challenges, and insights with researchers and policymakers. This two-way communication will help shape future research agendas and policy decisions, ensuring that they are aligned with the needs and realities of the farming community.

NHF2024 will also facilitate cross-pollination of ideas and knowledge across various horticultural sectors, such as fruits, vegetables, floriculture, and medicinal and aromatic plants. This interdisciplinary approach will foster synergies and spark innovative solutions that address common challenges faced by the industry.

Way Forward

The National Horticulture Fair 2024 is poised to be a landmark event that celebrates India's horticultural achievements and paves the way for future growth and innovation. With its diverse array of exhibits, interactive sessions, and entrepreneurial opportunities, NHF2024 promises to be a hub of knowledge, inspiration, and collaboration.

By showcasing cutting-edge technologies like the 'Arka Nihira (F1) Hybrid,' 'Arka Bhringraj,' 'Arka Vertical Farming Module,' 'Arka Onion Bulblet Planter,' and 'Vitamin D Enrichment Technology,' the fair will highlight India's prowess in horticultural research and development. Furthermore, initiatives like the 'Arka Fresh Cut Fruit Technology' and the support provided by BESST-HORT will open doors for entrepreneurs to capitalize on emerging market trends and contribute to the growth of the sector.

NHF2024 will serve as a catalyst for cross-pollination of ideas, fostering collaborations between researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, and farmers. This synergy will drive sustainable practices, promote value addition, and address the challenges faced by the horticultural sector.

As the curtains rise on the National Horticulture Fair 2024, India takes a significant stride towards realizing its vision of a thriving and sustainable horticultural sector, one that not only contributes to food security but also generates economic opportunities and drives rural development.