A file photo of visitors to the National Horticulture Fair in Bengaluru in March 2024.
| Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN
This year’s edition of the National Horticulture Fair (NHF), to be organised by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), will be held from February 27 to March 1 at the Hessarghatta campus of the Institute in the Bengaluru city outskirts.
It will focus on the theme “Horticulture for Viksit Bharat – Nutrition, Empowerment, and Livelihood”, and aim to emphasise the pivotal role of horticulture in the country’s development.
The event will touch upon addressing the critical needs of the horticulture sector by presenting advancements in crop production, pest management, post-harvest technologies, and value addition. Some of the key objectives of the fair include promoting nutritious crops by showcasing varieties that are nutritionally rich, helping to improve overall health and well-being in India, especially in rural areas where malnutrition remains a challenge.
One of the key goals is to empower farmers with information, skills, and technologies to improve their livelihoods. This will be achieved through demonstrations, workshops, and expert-led sessions that provide farmers with need-based solutions.
The fair will exhibit more than 250 varieties of horticultural crops developed by ICAR-IIHR. These innovations span various aspects, including crop protection, value addition, post-harvest management, and specialised tools for horticulture.
Vertical and Terrace Farming
The fair will highlight urban horticulture through vertical farming and terrace gardening techniques. These methods are particularly relevant for urban populations looking for sustainable ways to grow their own food.
The NHF 2025 will feature live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies and varieties developed by ICAR-IIHR, allowing attendees to see firsthand how these innovations work in practical settings.
One of the standout features will be the Centre of Excellence dedicated to the protected cultivation of different horticultural crops, an essential technique to ensure consistent crop yields in varying environmental conditions.
The event will host skill-building workshops aimed at improving the technical expertise of farmers and professionals. Topics will include mushroom production, pest management, vertical farming techniques, and urban gardening practices.
For more information and to register, visit the official NHF 2025 website: NHF 2025 Official Website.
The NHF 2025 is being jointly organised by ICAR-IIHR, Society for Promotion of Horticulture, BESST – HORT (Technology Business Incubator), ICAR-ATARI Bengaluru, and other prominent departments, institutions, and firms supporting horticulture and allied sectors.
Published – February 19, 2025 09:27 pm IST