Scientists urged to focus research on poverty alleviation

Shimla, Sep 6 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Governor Prabha Rau today urged scientists to focus their research on poverty alleviation programme.

She was Presiding over a two-day long brain storming session on 'Impact Assessment of Climate Change for Research Priority Planning in Horticutural Crops' here.

The Governor appealed to the participating scientists drawn from various horticulture institutions across the country, to focus upon the objective of poverty reduction while addressing concerns, impact and planning issues arising from climate change.

This objective would gain sustainable significance when integrated in studies, research, planning, policies and implementation of programmes, she added.

She said horticulture accounted for about 28.5% of the GDP from 8.5% of area in India which was the second largest producer of fruits with a share of 10.9% in the global production after China with 16.7%.

She said the diverse climatic conditions, available across the country in different agro-climatic zones, provide ample opportunity to grow almost all types of fruit crops.

The Governor said vegetables, spices and floriculture were also vital components of horticulture, contributing to the total GDP.

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