Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Z. P. Patel inaugurated the Horticultural Germplasm Conservation Park at RHRS, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari on 21-07-2025 in the presence of Dr. T. R. Ahlawat, Director of Research and Dean P.G. Studies, Dr. Alka Singh, Dean, ASPEE College of Horticulture; Prof. J. R. Naik, Director of Student Welfare; Dr. P. B. Patel, Dean (Agriculture); Dr. V. R. Naik, ADR and Dr. Vipul Shinde, Executive Engineer. Heads of the Department, Dr. D. K. Sharma (Fruit Science), Dr. C. G. Intwala (Vegetable Science), along with senior professors and other faculty members and staff of ACH and CoF were also present.

On this auspicious occasion, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor performed the traditional Puja and led the plantation of ‘Nav Pari’ the recently released mango variety from NAU at the park. The Horticultural Germplasm Conservation Park is the brainchild of the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, with the basic aim to emphasize and conserve the important and endangered germplasms of different horticultural crops. The plantation of Chironji, Dragonfruit, Jamun, Jackfruit, Tamarind, Guava and other species were also done by the dignitaries at the park.

During the inauguration, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor highlighted the importance and utility of this park in future crop improvement work, maintenance of horticultural biodiversity as well as for the educational purpose. He congratulated the horticulture faculty and gave his best wishes to strengthen the park. He also interacted with the staff members, motivated them to contribute their best efforts and appreciated the horticulture team. He further gave valuable suggestions for more such projects on different horticultural crops to strengthen the University.