Research preparedness for accelerated growth of horticulture in India
Dr S. P. Ghosh
Deputy Director General (Horticulture), Indian
Council of Agriculture Research,New Delhi-110001
Reproduced
form J. Appl. Hort., 1(1):64-69, 1999
| TECHNOLOGY
GENERATION
Seed/planting Material Propagation Agrotechniques Protection Technologies Post Harvest Management Technologies
|
RESEARCH
STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMMES
Rationalization of Research |
The horticulture scenario of the country is rapidly changing. The production and productivity of horticultural crops have increased manifold. Production of fruits and vegetables has tripled in the last 50 years. The productivity has gone up by three times in banana and by 2.5 times in potato. Today horticultural crops cover about 25 per cent of total agricultural exports of the country. The corporate sector is also showing greater interest in horticulture. A major shift in consumption pattern of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables is expected in the coming century. There will be greater technology adoption both in traditional horticultural enterprise as well as in commercial horticulture sectors. Diversification and value addition will be the key words in the Indian horticulture in the 21st Century.
Horticulture research in India is about four decades old. Systematic research on fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops began in 1954 with the initiation of independent institutions and programmes. The research agenda is designed relevant to national plans and priorities for the horticulture development. Today, eight ICAR institutes with 27 regional stations, 1 project directorate, 10 national research centres, 16 all India coordinated research projects (AICRPS) with 223 research stations, 1 full-fledged university of horticulture, 25 state agricultural universities and 7 multi-disciplinary institutes of the ICAR are engaged in horticulture research. In addition, a few R&D establishments of crop/commodity boards and private sectors are providing research support to Indian horticulture. Research system in horticulture is now geared to provide necessary technological support to the expanding horticultural industry.
The research efforts in the past were mainly concentrated on crop improvement, propagation of seed/planting material, agrotechniques, crop protection and post harvest management. Some of the improved technologies developed are enumerated below.
Varietal
Development
Among the fruit crops, improved high
yielding mango varieties, Mallika, Amrapali, Ratna, Sindhu, Arka Aruna,
Arka Puneet, Dashehari-51 and hybrids namely CISH-M-1 and CISH-M-2 have
been developed. Mallika is coming up in southern states like Karnataka
and Amrapali is performing well in eastern India. Dashehari-51, a regular
bearing cultivar with about 38 % higher productivity than the normal Dashehari,
has been identified after 14 years of rigorous selection. In guava, three
selections, namely Lalit, CISH-G-1 and CISH-G-2 have been developed for
domestic and export markets. The fruits of Lalit are of medium size weighing
about 150 g each and suitable for both table and processing purposes. In
banana, high yielding hybrids like FHIA-01 and FHIA-03 are promising for
replacing varieties, Panchananda and Bluggoe, respectively. Cultivar, Saba
is found promising under sodic soils. In addition, high yielding varieties
like Col, Hl and H2 have been developed. In grape, superior and high yielding
varieties have been developed e.g. Beauty Seedless and Pusa Seedless
and early ripening variety, Perlette for cultivation under North Indian
conditions and Anab-e-Shahi, Dilkhush, Thompson Seedless, Tas-A-Ganesh,
Sonaka, Bangalore Blue and Pachadraksha for south Indian conditions. In
citrus, high yielding and cluster bearing varieties of acid lime have been
developed. e.g., Rough Lemon, Rangpur Lime, Pramaini, Vikram PKM-1.
Trifoliate oranges, namely Flying Dragon and Rich 16-6 are dwarfing types.
In papaya, high yielding superior varieties both for table purpose and
papain production have been developed. e.g., Co-1 to Co-7, Coorg
Honey Dew, Pusa Delicious, Pusa Majesty, Pusa Giant and Pusa Nanha. In
apple, superior hybrids have been developed. e.g., Lal Ambari, Sunehari.
Red Spur, Star Crimson, Golden Spur, Red Chief, Oregon Spur, Skyline Supreme
and Vance Delicious have been identified. Tissue culture protocols for
micro-propagation of two commercial varieties have been developed.
Among the vegetable crops, more than 130 open pollinated varieties, 36 hybrids, 3 synthetics and 29 resistant varieties of 20 vegetable crops have been developed and released for cultivation in different agro-climatic regions. These include 40 in tomato, 45 in brinjal, 13 in cauliflower, 12 in chillies, 20 in pea, 9 in musk melon, 16 in onion and 44 in other crops.
In potato, 33 high yielding varieties have been developed indigenously for large scale cultivation in different regions. Kufri Ashoka and Kufri Pukhraj mature in 75 days. Kufri Jawahar and Kufri Satluj are field resistant to late blight. Kufri Jawahar has most ideal plant type for inter-cropping. Kufri Chipsona-1 and Kufri Chipsona-2 have been developed with excellent processing attributes, comparable to exotic varieties. Kufri Swarna resistant to golden nematode is ideal for Nilgiri Hills.
In tuber crops, improved varieties of different tuber crops have been recommended/released for commercial cultivation. These includes 9 varieties of cassava, 15 varieties of sweet potato, 6 varieties of colocasia, 3 varieties each of greater yam and lesser yam, 1 each of Amorphophallus, taro and yambean. Cassava varieties, Sree Visakham and Sree Prakash are popular in Kerala. Triploid clone, Sree Harsha with high dry matter and starch content is suitable for industrial belt of Tamil Nadu. Two early maturing varieties Sree Jaya and Sree Vijya have been released for culinary purposes. Elephant foot yam variety, Am-15 has been released with high yield potential of 41 t/ha.
Among the plantation and spice crops, India is the first country to exploit hybrid vigour in coconut. Twelve hybrids involving tall and dwarf parents and 4 varieties have been released for commercial cultivation. These varieties yield 21 to 89 % more than the local cultivars. Some of the released varieties like Chandra Kalpa and Pratap (Banawali Green Round) are receiving wide acceptance of farmers. Chowghat Green Dwarf variety is good for tender coconut purpose. In arecanut, 4 high yielding varieties, namely, Mangala, Sumangala, Sreemangala and Mohitnagar have been developed, giving about 30 % higher yield than the local cultivars.
In oil palm, first efforts for improvement were made by producing Tenera hybrids using Pisifera pollen imported from Nigeria. Dura x Pisifera hybrids are field tested in East and West Godavari districts, Khammam and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh, with yield potential of 20-25 tonnes/ha of FFB from the fifth year. In cashew, 22 region specific selections and 12 hybrids with yield potential of 1.5-2 tonnes of raw nuts/ha have been produced and released for commercial cultivation. The present standards fixed for cashew varieties include export grade kernels of W-210 to W-240 and at least one tonne per ha yield with 30 per cent shelling. In black pepper, 6 varieties, namely, Sreekara, Subhakara, Palode-2, Panniyur-2, Panniyur-4, Panchami and Pournami, and 2 hybrids viz. Panniyur-1 and Panniyur-4 have been developed. In cardamom, a number of improved varieties have been developed and released for commercial cultivation e.g., CCS-1, Mudigere-1, PV-1, ICRI-1 and ICRI-2. In ginger, varieties like Suprabha, Suruchi, Suravi and Varada have been developed. In turmeric, several varieties viz., Co-1, Krishna, Sugandham, BSR-1, Suvarna, Roma, Suroma, Rajendra Sonia, Sugana, Sudarshana, Ranga, Rasmi, Prabha, Prathiba, Mega Turmeric and RCT-1 have been developed with yield potential of up to 44 tonnes of fresh rhizomes per ha. Three high yielding cinnamon lines, namely, Navashree, Nithyashree and Konkan Tej have been released for cultivation.
Seed/planting
Material Propagation
In most of the fruit crops, vegetative
propagation techniques have been standardized. Soft wood grafting has been
standardized for mango, sapota, custard-apple and jackfruit. Other vegetative
propagation techniques have been developed for ber, aonla, jackfruit,
custard-apple and bael. In mango, veneer grafting and stone-grafting
is practised commercially. Mango variety, Vellaikolumban is suitable semi-dwarfing
rootstock for Alphonso. Old unproductive mango trees can be rejuvenated
successfully by pruning the 4th order branches during December-January.
Flowering and fruiting are regular in pruned trees. For mandarin orange,
Rangpur lime is a drought hardy rootstock. In grapes, Dogridge and Salt
Creek (Ramsey) are suitable for minimizing adverse effects of soil salinity
on Thompson Seedless. A tissue culture technique for mass multiplication
of Dogridge has been standardised. In banana, sword suckers of 700-1000
g are optimum. Rhizomes with active lateral buds and dead central buds
are preferred for distant transportation in western India. Double paring
and shade drying followed by dipping in Monocrotophos (0.5 %) and Bavistin
(0.2 %) is recommended to disinfect nematodes and soil borne fungi. Tissue
cultured banana plants are now commercially adopted for their uniformity
in flowering and produce. Shoot-tip grafting technique in citrus has been
considerably advanced.
In vegetable crops, seed production of over 120 open pollinated high yielding varieties of different vegetables has been well established in the country. Hybrid seed production has become easier with the development of male sterile lines in tomato, self incompatible lines in cauliflower and gynoecious lines in cucumber and muskmelon. In brinjal, functional male sterility controlled by a single recessive gene has been identified. Temperature barrier in cole crops (cabbage and cauliflower) has been overcome by developing heat tolerant hybrids. It is now possible to cultivate cabbage and cauliflower in southern India. Development of tomato varieties resistant to bacterial wilt has made their cultivation successful in non-traditional areas. Onion seed production technology for cultivation in kharif season has been developed for north Indian states especially, Haryana, Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh. Seed Plot Technique has been developed for production of disease-free potato seed in plains. It is widely adopted by farmers. A new technology for raising commercial crop of potato using 'True Potato Seed' (TPS) has been developed and standardized as supplementary technology to the traditional tuber grown crop. Two TPS populations, TPS-C-3 and HPS-113 are recommended for commercial production in Bihar, Gujarat, Tripura and West Bengal. Micropropagation protocols have been developed in banana, oil palm, cashew, black pepper, ginger, etc. Seed gardens of Tall (T) x Dwarf (D) and D x T hybrids have been established for production of coconut hybrids.
Agrotechniques
In fruit crops, improved agrotechniques
developed have helped the farmers in improving the productivity and quality
of produce. Soil application of paclobutrazol (4 g/tree) increase flowering
and fruiting in mango on commercial scale in coastal Maharashtra. It also
controls irregular bearing in cultivar Dashehari. Spray of NAA @ 200 ppm
in October is recommended for control of malformation. Heavy fruit drop
at maturity in cultivar Langra can be controlled by spraying NAA (20 ppm).
In guava, double spray of 10 and 20 % urea on cultivars, Allahabad Safeda
and Sardar twice at bloom eliminate poor quality rainy season crop and
increases winter season yield by 3 and 4 times, respectively. Application
of neem coated urea (800 g/plants) yields 98 kg fruits/plant in variety,
Sardar compared to 37 kg from untreated plants. In banana, high density
planting (4550 plants/ha) yield up to 174 t/ha. Adoption of improved technology
in Maharashtra has resulted in fruit yield increase up to 52 t/ha. In citrus,
two grafting methods using inverted 'T' cut and apical triangle cut have
been developed with overall success of around 36% using either method.
For accelerating the survival of growth, shoot tip grafts, the successful
grafts are double grafted (side grafted) on vigorous green-house grown
Rough Lemon and Rangpur Lime seedlings. Rangpur Lime rootstock is found
superior for sweet oranges and mandarins. In papaya, closer spacing of
1.4 x 1.4 m is recommended for high yield. Drip irrigation techniques have
been standardized. In banana, it has resulted in production gain (60-70%)
and early harvesting (40-50 days), besides improved water efficiency. Likewise,
in grapes higher yields have been obtained with better water use efficiency
(11 %).
In vegetable crops, improved production technology has been developed for major crops. Drip irrigation is economical in tomato and brinjal. In cucumber, replenishment of evaporation loss through irrigation resulted in maximization of yield of quality fruits. Drip irrigation in watermelon provided 33% higher yield with a water saving of 40%. Nutrient requirements and fertiliser schedules have been worked out crop-wise and recommended for different agro-climatic regions. In leguminous vegetables, high N depresses nodulation. The VAM fungi increases P availability to plants. In all leguminous vegetables, inoculation of the VAM fungi along with Rhizobium culture is beneficial. Production technologies for kharif onion in northern India and long day type onions for high altitudes have been standardized. Pendimethalin (Stomp) has been found effective in controlling weeds in tomato, brinjal, chilli, bell pepper and okra. In potato, a number of potato-based multiple and inter cropping systems have been developed for different potato growing regions. Intercrop combinations with sugarcane in Maharashtra, wheat in Chhota Nagpur area and linseed in central Uttar Pradesh are found remunerative. A suitable method of urea application has also been worked out.
In tuber crops, short duration legumes viz., groundnut and French bean and cowpea can be successfully inter-cropped with cassava. Short-duration cassava, Sree Prakash is ideal in double cropped rice fields. Studies on cassava-based multiple cropping systems involving banana, coconut, Leucaena and Eucalyptus, have shown banana-cassava combination to give maximum root yield. Banana and coconut combination reduces soil loss and surface run-off considerably. Dioscorea and elephant foot yam with banana, Nendran can generate an additional income of Rs 20,000/- over the sole crop of banana. For Inter-cropping Dioscorea in coconut garden, the ideal planting density is 9000 plants/ha. When Amorphophallus is raised as an inter-crop in coconut garden, one third dose of recommended fertilizers is sufficient. Inoculation with VAM fungi in cassava give about 15-20% increase in yield.
Among the plantation and spice crops,
density of 175 coconut palms/ha (7.5 m x 7.5 m spacing) is found ideal.
In general, NPK application of 500:320:1200 g/palm/year is found optimum.
A multi-storied cropping system involving black pepper trained on coconut
trees, and cocoa in between the rows of coconut and pineapple in the ground
floor has been found ideal for exploiting light, soil and air spaces. In
arecanut, application of NPK (100:40:140 g) and green leaf (14 kg) per
palm per year is recommended for coastal regions of Kerala and Karnataka
and for plains of West Bengal, Karnataka and Assam. In oil palm, application
of NPK (1200:600:1200 g/palm) is found to give 17.1 tonne of FFB per ha.
In black pepper, rapid methods for production of rooted cuttings of pepper
have been developed and a commercial protocol has been standardised for
micropropagation of black pepper. Ginger yield could be increased up to
33 percent by application of neem cake at the rate of two tonnes per ha
and the fertiliser schedule of 75 kg each of N, P205
and K20. Technology for storage of ginger seed rhizome is standardised
and recommended.
Protection
Technologies
For major fruit crops, plant protection
schedules have been developed for the control of significant insect-pests
for wider adoption. In the recent years, research efforts are directed
to devise eco-friendly, economical and long lasting control measures. Success
has been achieved in biological control of mealy bugs in mango and guava.
The Beauveria bassiana has been found killing mango mealy bug and
hopper. In grapes, integrated management of Spodoptera caterpillar
involving light and pheromone traps, NPV and neem based insecticides and
biological control of mealy bug by the beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
have
been standardized. Studies on pesticide residues have resulted in working
out of safe-waiting periods for harvesting and consumption of fruits.
In vegetable crops, about 50 improved measures for efficient management of diseases and 23 for insect-pests have been worked out and popularized in different agro-climatic regions in the country. Integrated pest management (IPM) for controlling diamond back moth on cabbage through a trap crop like mustard has been demonstrated. Fruit borer (H. armigera) on tomato can be controlled by the release of Trichogramma pretiosum alone and in combination with HaNPV.
In potato, integrated management schedules for control of bacterial wilt and tuber moth have been developed. A late blight forecasting system has been developed for the hills.
Among the tuber crops, the major diseases affecting tuber crops are cassava mosaic and brown leaf spot in cassava, Phytophthora leaf blight in colocasia, Fusarium wilt in elephant yam and virus diseases of sweet potato. Foliar sprays of Bavistin (0.1%) combined with disodium and dipotassium phosphates (100 ppm) and calcium sulphate at 15-day interval was found to check foliar diseases in sweet potato. The major pests include spider mites, scale insects and white fly on cassava, weevil on sweet potato, defoliators, aphids and mites on colocasia, and scales and mealy bugs on yams and elephant yam. Cultural methods for weevil control include clean cultivation, destruction of alternate hosts and timely harvest. An effective IPM package using synthetic sex pheromone has been developed. Control measures involving insecticides have been evolved for the control of pests of other tuber crops.
Among the plantation and spice crops, bud rot of coconut caused by Phytophthora palmivora can be effectively controlled by spraying Bordeaux mixture. Calyxin root feeding and drenching of soil with 1% Bordeaux mixture along with neem cake application @ 5 kg per palm per year is recommended for controlling Thanjavur wilt disease reported in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. A package of practices has been developed for managing mycoplasma like organisms (MLOs) in root wilt affected coconut palms in Kerala and Thatipaka disease affected palms in Andhra Pradesh. Eradication of all root wilt affected palms is recommended. In cashew, tea mosquito bug (TMB) can be effectively controlled through a schedule of spray coinciding with flushing, flowering and fruiting. For effective control of stem and root borer infestation, constant monitoring and adoption of strict sanitation in the plantations coupled with prophylactic application of coal tar and kerosene in the ratio of 1:2 on trunks are recommended. In black pepper, spraying Bordeaux mixture (1 %) and drenching the soil with copper oxychloride (0.2 %) is found effective in managing Phytophthora foot rot.
Post
Harvest Management Technologies
The post harvest handling of fruits
and vegetables accounts for 20-30% of losses at different stages of storage,
grading, packing, transport and finally at marketing as a fresh produce
or in processed form. A number of improved technologies have been developed
for commercial exploitation.
An on-farm, low cost, environment friendly cool chamber, Zero Energy Cool Chamber has been developed using locally available material. The principle of evaporative cooling reduces the inside temperature by as much as 17-18 oC and keeps the relative humidity above 90% during peak summer. The chamber increases the shelf life and reduces PLW of banana, mango, orange lime, grape fruit, tomato and potato in different situations in India.
Maturity standards for mango, guava, grape, litchi and ber and chemical treatments for regulation of ripening in mango, sapota and banana have been standardised. Optimum storage temperatures worked out for several fruits, vegetables and tuber crops.
A mango harvester, fruit peeler, hand and pedal operator cassava chipping machines, harvesting tools (5-14 times efficient), coconut dehusking machine, implements for mechanization of potato cultivation and other crops have been developed.
A number of improved technologies have been developed for commercial exploitation viz., tent type foldable solar dryer, packaging boxes for distant transportation of apple, mango, citrus and plum, production of value added products-pectin from peel and flour from mango fruit kernel, production of fruit post carbonated beverages etc.
Production
Constraints
In spite of great strides made, the
productivity of horticultural crops, in general, is still quite low and
the post harvest losses particularly of perishable commodities, are considerable.
Improvement in quality standards of the produce and their marketing are
essential to increase our share in the global market.
The research agenda in horticulture is by design relevant to national plans and priorities and research programmes are normally formulated keeping in view the thrust areas in development. The major technology related constraints contributing to low productivity of horticultural crops and inferior quality of produce are:
For addressing the above constraints, research institutions are engaged in both basic and applied research. While formulating research strategies some of the inherent weaknesses associated with perennial tree crops and certain perpetual problems in Indian horticulture must be kept in mind. They are:Vast majority of holdings are small and un-irrigated. Large tracts of low and unproductive plantations needing replacement/rejuvenation. Low productivity of crops due to inferior genetic stocks and poor management. Inadequate supply of quality planting materials of improved varieties. High incidence of pests and diseases. Heavy post harvest losses and low utilization in processing sector.
Losses caused by biotic stresses are very high and due to pesticide residue problems development of eco-friendly IPM strategy is more relevant in horticulture. There is a threat for loss of valuable genetic resources, if measures are not taken for their conservation. Wastelands and hilly terrains being the potential future expansion areas, matching technologies for dry land and hill horticulture need to be developed. Counter seasonal advantages from diverse agro-climatic situations provide strength for extended availability of horticultural crops round the year and such potentials can be harnessed only with relevant research support.Long period required for development of improved genotypes. Application of biotechnological tools/methods in horticultural crops is still in its early stage of development in the country. Chronic production problems due to major disorders like alternate bearing, malformation and spongy tissue in mango, guava wilt, citrus decline, root wilt in coconut, viral disease in vegetables, Phytophthora diseases in large number of crops etc. remained largely unresolved. Lack of advanced technologies for post harvest handling, processing and marketing of produce.
RESEARCH STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMMES
Keeping in view of the strength and weaknesses of the research system and priority areas of horticulture development the following strategies and programmes are suggested for horticultural research:
Rationalization of Research
There is a need to shift from commodity/discipline
oriented research to system based research and to establish stronger Inter-institutional
linkages with SAUs, CSIR, DBT and BARC. Greater private sector partnership
for diversification, value addition and export promotional research and
seed production programmes will be required to modernize horticulture industry.
Introduction of project based budgeting in the Institutes/NRCs will bring
better accountability and one time catch up grant to modernize old Institutes
will be essential. Development of database on technologies evolved, market
intelligence, export projections/removal of quantitative restrictions,
R&D scenario in horticulture should receive priority attention.
Safeguard for Intellectual Property
Rights (IPR)
A fool proof description of varieties
and their registration and finalisation of material transfer agreement
and channelization of germplasm exchange need to be institutionalized.
Similarly, specification of quality/codex standard for export of indigenous
fruits and vegetables need to be developed. Phytosanitary regulations for
importing vegetatively propagated materials need a relook/revision and
rigorous enforcement.
Genetic Resource Management
Greater emphasis need to be given
on (a) in situ conservation of endangered species, ex situ
conservation of base collections and in vitro storage and cryopreservation
of important germplasm. Clonal repository of vegetatively propagated crops
and germplasm screening for processing and diversified use will be certain
other areas of priority research.
Horticultural Biotechnology
Biotechnology as a tool for rapid
multiplication of quality planting material, virus cleaning, genetic transformation
etc.,
will be of very great importance. The priority research programmes are:
Integrated Production SystemDevelopment of micropropagation protocols in selected crops Genetic engineering for integration of desirable traits Molecular characterization of germplasm and development of molecular linkage maps Value addition to products Preservation of post harvest losses through control of metabolic process
Production related technologies can bring quick improvement in production and productivity on different regions. Short or medium range programme on horticulture based cropping systems; water management including microirrigation and fertigation, greenhouse cultivation of vegetables and flowers, integrated nutrient and pest managements, environment pollution and pesticide residue problems have already received research attention. Further refinement of the technologies and their transfer will bring perceptible change/improvement in production of different crop commodities.
Export Promotional Research
There is a need for development of
bulk handling system of tropical fruits, including pre-cooling and CA/MA
storage and post harvest protocols for sea transport of major fruits like
banana, mango, litchi, sapota, Kinnow and pomegranate. Disinfestation technology
including vapour heat treatment (VHT) for export of fresh fruits and extension
of shelf life by preventing desiccation of vegetables should help in further
export promotion. Organic farming for vegetable and spice crops and residue
free IPM technology are other important areas of research.
Quality Planting Material Production
For resolving the long standing problems
of supply of good quality planting materials of different horticultural
crops, following research areas are flagged:
Post Harvest ManagementSystem of certification and standardisation of planting materials; Micropropagation protocols for mango, litchi, coconut, walnut, date palm, oil palm and apple rootstocks; Refinement of TPS and micro-tuber production technology in potato; Improvement in STG techniques and cross-protection in citrus for virus elimination and control; and Seed production system for hybrid vegetables and commercialization of micropropagation in floriculture.
In order to reduce post harvest losses at production centres low cost ecofriendly on-farm storage structures can play a crucial role. Significant advancement has been made in that direction and some small and medium sized cool chambers on the principles of evaporative cooling have been devised. Further refinement of the technology will go on a long way. Also, standardisation of packing line operations and proper packaging of different commodities are of urgent need. Pesticide residue management and newer product developments will add values to the produce.
Human Resource Development
Advanced training in research methodologies
and instrumentation, biotechnology, micro-irrigation, fertigation, IPM,
INM, biofertilizer, biopesticide, pesticide residue, PHT and product development
need priority attention for increasing research capabilities of the scientists.
Skill development for state level development functionaries through in-service
training at different R&D institutions will enhance capabilities of
extension staff. Post Graduate programmes in fruit, vegetable, floriculture,
plantation crops and post harvest management of horticultural crops will
help in providing trained manpower in specialized areas.
Technology adoption pattern can not
be uniform throughout the country and will vary from crop to crop and even
from region to region. Certain degree of flexibility in research planning
and research strategy is therefore obvious. Also, with the opening of global
markets and removal of quantitative restrictions under the WTO export-import
scenario is likely to change at much faster pace. Market forces will play
a more dominant role and demands for modern technologies will increase.
Research system in horticulture will have to be very alert and should be
able to adjust with the changes. Development of both short term and long
term strategies for modernising Indian horticulture will depend largely
on the research support and strength of research system.