Conference on smart farming solutions for floriculture begins in Karnal

A two-day national conference on "smart farming solutions for ornamental horticulture" started on Friday at Maharana Pratap Horticulture University (MHU) in Karnal. Attended by scientists from 16 states across India, the event focuses on innovative solutions to enhance the flower farming sector.

Dr Gurbachan Singh, former Chairman of Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board (ASRB) and former Agriculture Commissioner for the Government of India, inaugurated the programme with MHU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Suresh Malhotra, who jointly lit the ceremonial lamp.

Highlighting the immense potential of floriculture in India, Singh emphasised the importance of providing smart farming solutions to boost production and expand market reach. He stressed that selling flowers remained a significant challenge for farmers, and proposed empowering flower growers through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He also encouraged scientists to explore possibilities for edible flowers.

Malhotra, stressed the importance of such events to connect all stakeholders in the flower industry. He highlighted the need for expanding flower exports, which generated Rs 718 crore last year, with exports reaching countries like the USA, Canada, the Netherlands and Malaysia. Malhotra advocated for advanced farming techniques such as vertical gardening, hydroponics, polyhouses, integrated cold chains, and modern machinery for optimising flower production.

Malhotra also expressed pride in the MHU being the first university to organise a national conference on smart flower farming, drawing experts from across the country to share knowledge. He said collaboration among scientists, entrepreneurs and farmers could inspire more farmers to consider flower cultivation alongside other crops.

Malhotra and Singh toured various stalls set up by the departments and enterprises from across the country, featuring innovations in flower cultivation.