Message from the Chairman

Confederation of Horticulture Associations of India (CHAI), committed to the furtherance of agriculture/horticulture, through networking of organizations and individuals, is moving forward in achieving the goal of technology-led development. Since, its inception in 2010, the Confederation has partnered, supported and synergised the holding of national and international conferences and has organized knowledge sharing workshops on topical issues. A policy paper and the Bangaluru Declaration on UPH have catalyzed the activities for urban and peri-urban horticulture. During the year, CHAI supported a National Conference on Dynamics of Smart Horticulture for Livelihood and Rural Development, organised by ASM Foundation, New Delhi and MGCGV, Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, from 28-31, May, 2015. An International Conference on Floriculture and Landscape Gardening –challenges and Opportunities was organised at Pune on 27 February, 2016 in collaboration with Media Today. CHAI was a Knowledge Partner in Smart Agriculture-Geo Agri with the theme: “Technologies empowering Indian Agriculture”organised at NOIDA on 2nd-3rd March 2016.

Besides conference and workshop the Chairman delivered many keynote lectures in India and abroad to promote horticulture for livelihood security. The powerpoint presentations of plenary lectures have been circulated to all the fellows. The CHAI is also supporting a Global Conference on Perspective of Future Challenges and Options in Agriculture being organised, jointly by ASM Foundation and Jain Irrigation System Ltd., Jalgaon, India, in collaboration with Trust for Advancement in Agricultural Sciences (TAAS)from 28 to 31 May, 2016 at Jain Hills, Jalgaon, Maharastra, India, with a theme to analyze past trends in agriculture and future needs, and envision the challenges and tasks for sustainable agriculture. The Chairman, as the Chairperson of ASSOCHAM Council on Agriculture and Food safety organised many meetings and conferences and Chaired many meetings where CHAI was highlighted for its contributions. To enhance the dissemination of scientific knowledge in horticulture, a scientific journal International Journal of Innovative Horticulture is published which has been listed by the NAAS with rating of 2.87. The Confederation has overwhelming responses, as membership/fellowship has exceeded more than 230 hundred.

The CHAI has instituted various awards to recognize the distinguished and noticeable services of individuals and organisations. The distinguished personalities, who have provided leadership of par excellence for the development of Indian Agriculture are recognised by conferring Honoured Fellow of CHAI. Lifetime Achievement Award is given for outstanding contributions in research and development of horticulture. The distinguished members are also honoured with Honorary Fellowship of CHAI, for their excellence and commitment to furtherance of horticulture/agriculture. In recognition of the distinguished services of Dr. R.S. Paroda, to Indian agriculture/ horticulture, an award has been instituted in his name i.e. Dr R.S. Paroda Award for excellence in science of horticulture. Dr. B.H. Jain Award of excellences for dissemination of knowledge. To recognise the farmers for excellence, a Ramanandan Babu Award has been instituted. CHAI-Best Paper Award to the scientific article published in IJIH is given to selected scientist and Dr. D.P. Ray Best Dissertation Award for best thesis is also given to encourage the students. There are fellowships of various categories beside JISL fellowship for training abroad and fellowships of CHAI. I convey my hearty congratulate to all the awardees of 2016, and convey my best wishes for their success in their career.

I am confident that CHAI shall emerge as an organisation to make us proud, to be its fellow for the furtherance of agriculture/horticulture. I express my heartiest thanks to all the fellows for their effective cooperation. Few of our fellows have left us. I place on record their contributions and pray to God for Eternal peace and heavenly abode to departed soul. I thank all who helped in bringing out this Year Book -2016. I am sure for the continued support of all the members I am pleased to present the CHAI Year Book- 2016, with all the details. Finally, I look forward for making the Confederation global, second to none, in the service to mankind with focus on horticulture.