Extend shelf life of fruits, speed up trials of new varieties: Union agriculture minister to scientists

Bengaluru: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Sunday asked scientists to focus on extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, saying this was critical to improving farmer incomes.During a visit to the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) here, Chouhan reviewed new varieties of horticultural crops and interacted with heads of other Bengaluru-based institutes functioning under the Indian Council for Agricultural Research. "Along with grains, farmers should integrate fruits and vegetables with dairy, fisheries or beekeeping to boost their income. The models for integrated farming must be strengthened," he said.
While inspecting nurseries and demonstration plots, scientists informed him that a new crop variety usually takes about six years after development to reach farmers because of mandatory field trials. The minister urged researchers to compress this timeline to three years. "Our target is to avoid importing fruits and vegetables. We are already becoming self-reliant in some fruits like dragon fruit," he said.He asked IIHR scientists to assess market demand before promoting specific crops and to encourage cultivation of varieties that have better commercial prospects. Chouhan also proposed organising a national brainstorming meet on horticulture in Bengaluru. "Researchers and farmers from across India will be invited. The focus will be on extension, disease control and other practical issues," he said.He interacted briefly with farmers and agri-entrepreneurs present. Manikanta, a tuberose grower from Doddaballapur taluk, requested that the IIHR-bred Arka Prajwal variety be made more widely available as it gives yield throughout the year and has helped stabilise his income.Another participant, Varun Kashyap, who runs a startup working on precision beehives, sought govt support to build a structured value chain for beekeeping similar to the dairy sector. He said such a system would help small farmers earn better returns from honey and related products.Officials of IIHR briefed the minister on ongoing work in developing climate-resilient varieties, post-harvest technologies and disease management strategies. Chouhan said the Centre would continue to support research that directly benefits farmers and consumers by cutting wastage and improving quality of produce.