ICARDA’s innovative technologies showcased at India Agriculture Fair

Innovative technologies for new crop varieties of lentil, chickpea, grasspea, cactus and barley, developed and promoted by ICARDA in collaboration with partners in India and other South Asian countries, were displayed at a national level Agriculture Fair-cum-Exhibition, Krishi Unnati. The fair was organized jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India and Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi at Indian Agriculture Research Institute from March 19-21, 2016.

Inaugurating the fair, India’s Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of agricultural growth in enhancing the national economy. The fair was widely attended by farmers and agricultural scientists from all over India, participants from State Agricultural Universities and the private sector.

Drs. Rizvi, Pooja, Dogra and Mr. Rai from ICARDA-South Asia and China Regional Program actively participated and displayed ICARDA technologies. Live demonstration of spineless cactus was a key attraction at ICARDA’s stall.  Farmers were keen to know the usage of cactus and the way to get spineless material. Detailed information on cactus usage was disseminated. ICARDA’s participation was highly appreciated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other partners.