South Gujarat is the bowl of horticultural crops and leading in quality production of Mango, Sapota, Banana, Tuber crops and floriculture crops. A brain storming session on “Shaping the Future of Horticulture in South Gujarat” was organized by Directorate of Research, NAU, Navsari on October 22, 2024 to address the future challenges and strategy to tackle it.

Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. Z. P. Patel, in his remarks, highlighted the difficulties faced by farmers in production, post-harvest handling and utilization of horticultural crops. He emphasized to focus on crop improvement work in targeted horticultural crops; boosting the production of quality planting material and revenue generation under changing climatic scenario.

Dr. T. R. Ahlawat, Director of research has given a broad road map to tackle all the emerging challenges in horticultural crops. He emphasize on crop specific scientist approach, identification of working group for burning issues in horticulture and optimum utilization of human resource.

Dr. Lalit Mahatma, ADR has also given useful inputs for planning and execution of research experiments.

Dr. R. M. Naik, Principal & Dean of Horticulture faculty welcomed all the dignitaries and presented a brief account of the ongoing work. Dr. D. K. Sharma, Prof. & Head, Fruit Science department has coordinated the whole session and proposed the vote of thanks at the end of the session. Entire faculties working in the horticulture domain across the NAU have participated in this programme.