Hyderabad, Feb 18, 2026
AICRP Annual Group Meeting on Vegetable Crops to be Held in Hyderabad from Feb 20–22
The All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) Annual Group Meeting on Vegetable Crops will be held from February 20 to 22 at the Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, under the auspices of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, Vice Chancellor Dr. Danda Raji Reddy announced on Tuesday.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the three-day national-level scientific meet will bring together more than 300 scientists, researchers, and subject experts from across the country who are actively engaged in vegetable crop research. Representatives from leading seed companies and officials from Government of India seed agencies will also participate.
Senior officials, including Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors from premier agricultural institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (Varanasi), Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (Bengaluru), and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (New Delhi), along with scientists from various State Agricultural Universities, are expected to attend in large numbers.
The conference will deliberate on several critical themes related to vegetable crop development and production. Discussions will focus on performance results of field-tested open-pollinated and hybrid vegetable varieties, best practices in seed production, and strategies for collection, evaluation, conservation, and utilization of germplasm in crop improvement. Experts will also present recent advances in modern vegetable production technologies, innovations in breeding, and research on developing varieties resilient to biotic and abiotic stresses. Sessions on pest and disease management in vegetable crops will form a key component of the technical deliberations.
On the concluding day, February 22, a special interactive session will be organized between scientists and vegetable farmers. During this interface, farmers will be able to raise queries, seek scientific guidance, and learn about emerging research trends, improved varieties, and advanced cultivation techniques aimed at enhancing productivity and profitability.
Ahead of the event, Vice Chancellor Dr. Raji Reddy visited the venue and reviewed the arrangements being made for the smooth conduct of the meeting. University officials who accompanied him during the inspection included Registrar Dr. A. Bhagwan, Director of Research Dr. Laxminarayana, Head of Vegetable Research Station Dr. D. Anitha Kumari, Associate Dean of Horticulture College Dr. P. Prashanth, Dr. Preetham Goud, Professor Saidaiah, and other scientists and faculty members.
The university authorities stated that the conference is expected to strengthen collaboration among national research institutions, accelerate innovation in vegetable crop science, and promote farmer-centric solutions for sustainable horticultural development.
