By Raviraja Shetty G
This Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) sponsored a 10-day short course, which was organized at the College of Horticulture, Mudigere (University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India). The main aim of this course was to impart knowledge and skills among researchers, scientists, and teachers working in various horticultural institutions across India towards conservation and management of horticultural plant genetic resources. This program was inaugurated by Dr. R. C. Jagadeesha, Honorable Vice Chancellor, KSNUAHS (University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences), Shivamogga. Dr. Pradeep Kenjige, Director, R&D, Café Coffee Day was the chief guest. Dr. N.S. Mavarkar, Dean, College of Horticulture, Mudigere presided over the function.
There were 25 participants from different parts of the country who attended the inaugural function. Staff members of the College of Horticulture, Mudigere and postgraduate students of the college were also present.
Dr. Raviraja Shetty G, Course Director welcomed all dignitaries and participants and delivered the proposal note. He mentioned the relevance of this regional course as the College of Horticulture, Mudigere is in the central part of Western Ghats where most of the horticulture crops are endemic. The area has recently been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He also remembered the words of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, “If conservation of natural resources goes wrong, nothing else will go right.”
Dr. R. C. Jagadeesha, in his inaugural address, acknowledged the ICAR for approving such an important short course for KSNUAHS, Shivamogga. He feels that horticulture crops show tremendous diversity, and their conservation is a challenging task. He mentioned that the importance of conservation of genetic resources is being increasingly realized by many developing countries, and our university has already taken initiative in this direction. We have a great role to play in the conservation of horticultural plant genetic resources as we are in the central part of Western Ghats. He suggested for each participant to conserve genetic resources at their respective institutions to bring value to the money spent for the short course.
During the 10 days eminent scientists in the field of conservation were made available to deliver talks and impart training to the participants of the short course. There were many field trips, nursery and laboratory visits, explorations, outings to research stations, and practical sessions relevant to the short course to give the participants firsthand information in the best way.
Summary
This course was organized to enhance knowledge of teachers, scientists, researchers, and extension workers on “Biodiversity and approaches towards conservation and sustainable use of Rare, Endangered and Threatened horticultural plant genetic resources of Western Ghats.” The aim was to impart solid knowledge and skills among participants to develop sound research strategies to conserve and manage horticultural plant genetic resources for their sustainable use.
Dr. Raviraja Shetty G is Assistant Professor, Dept. of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal & Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.
