HimVani
Solan: A unique 21-day training programme on wild and underutilized fruits was inaugurated Regional Centre, National Aforestation and Eco-development Board in Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, on July 22.
Thirty-three scientists representing state agricultural universities and ICAR institutes from 13 states of the country are participating in the programme. In his inaugural address, chief guest Dr KR Dhiman, vice-chancellor of the university, informed that there are 800 wild fruit species out of which only 10% have been domesticated. He was of the view that there is a dire need to conserve the germplasm of wild and underutilized fruits for genetic improvements of our already existing commercialised fruits.
While welcoming the Chief Guest and other participants, regional coordinator/director Dr Parvinder Kaushal highlighted the importance of wild and underutilized fruits in the present scenario of global warming. He emphasized that there is a need to domesticate and commercialize wild fruits owing to the threat being faced by commercial fruits throughout the world.
