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Welcome
to
National Conference 2026 on
Fruitful Landscapes for Healthy People and Planet
India is one of the world's richest countries in fruit diversity, with a wide range of cultivated, local, minor, wild, and underutilized fruit species adapted to diverse agroecological regions. Many of these fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fibre and other health-promoting compounds. They have the potential to contribute to household nutrition security, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, women-led livelihoods and nature-positive farming systems. Despite this richness, many nutritious fruits remain undercultivated, underutilized, inadequately conserved, weakly linked to quality planting material systems, and largely absent from mainstream nutrition and horticulture programmes. Resource-poor households, especially in rural, tribal, dryland, hilly and nutritionally vulnerable regions, often have limited access to diverse, affordable and locally available fruits throughout the year.
The Centre for Fruitful India (CFI), hosted in India by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, seeks to address pressing challenges in fruit diversity and nutrition security by promoting fruit tree-based farming systems, strengthening quality planting material, enhancing community and household-level fruit access through building school and Anganwadi linkages, fostering women and youth participation, and scaling partnerships. CFI's approach aims to move “tree to mouth” by making nutrient-rich fruits more easily available, accessible, and affordable to low-income communities throughout the year, while simultaneously strengthening nature-positive and climate-resilient landscapes.
As a flagship initiative of the Centre for Fruitful India (CFI), the National Conference is envisioned as a strategic platform to advance CFI’s mission of promoting fruit-based solutions for nutrition, livelihoods and resilient landscapes. To strengthen its reach and impact, CFI has partnered with the Indian Academy of Horticultural Sciences (IAHS) to co-host the conference and bring together science, policy and practice.
Conference Aims
Share knowledge
on fruit diversity, conservation, nutrition and climate resilience.
on fruit diversity, conservation, nutrition and climate resilience.
Support policy action
to include nutritious and underutilized fruits in horticulture and nutrition programmes.
to include nutritious and underutilized fruits in horticulture and nutrition programmes.
Strengthen community leadership
through women, youth, farmer groups and grassroots innovations.
through women, youth, farmer groups and grassroots innovations.
Build partnerships
among research, government, NGOs, private sector and community institutions.
among research, government, NGOs, private sector and community institutions.
Showcase innovations
in fruit-based farming, nutrition access and climate-resilient landscapes.
in fruit-based farming, nutrition access and climate-resilient landscapes.
Create networks
to scale quality planting material, conservation and nutrition-linked fruit systems.
to scale quality planting material, conservation and nutrition-linked fruit systems.
About Organizers
About Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT is a CGIAR organisation transforming food, land, and water systems in the face of the climate crisis. Working at the intersection of agriculture, environment, and nutrition, it engages governments, civil society, and the private sector across Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Through innovative collaborations, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams solutions for systemic change. The Alliance India office has built strong partnerships with national research organizations and government agencies. Its work addresses biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and nutrition insecurity, while advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By harnessing local expertise and developing region-specific strategies, the Alliance strengthens resilience and secures livelihoods across India.
About the Indian Academy of Horticultural Sciences (IAHS)
The Indian Academy of Horticultural Sciences (IAHS), established in 1942 and formerly known as the Horticultural Society of India, is a premier national scientific organization dedicated to advancing horticultural education, research, innovation and development in India. The Academy provides a common platform for scientists, academicians, policymakers, industry representatives, development organizations and farming communities to exchange knowledge and promote excellence across horticulture and allied sciences. Through the Indian Journal of Horticulture, scientific congresses, seminars, symposia, expert consultations and recognition of outstanding contributions, IAHS plays an important role in strengthening collaboration and translating scientific knowledge into developmental impact. The proposed seminar, to be jointly organized with the Centre for Fruitful India, will bring together leading experts to deliberate on emerging opportunities, scientific innovations, institutional partnerships and actionable strategies for developing a productive, nutritious, climate-resilient and globally competitive fruit sector in India.
Conference Themes
01
02
Quality Planting Material and Innovation Systems - Science, Technology and Nursery Pathways for Sustainable Fruit Production
03
Restoring and Managing Fruitful Landscapes - Nature-Positive Solutions for People, Climate and Ecosystems
04
Fruit Consumption for Nutrition, Health and Dietary Behaviour Change - Improving Year-Round Access to Nutritious Fruits for Children and Vulnerable Communities
05
Scaling Fruitful Landscapes through Policy, Markets and Partnerships - Enabling Systems and Partnerships for Lasting Impact
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline
25 September 2026
Notification of Acceptance
05 October 2026
Early Bird Registration Deadline
20 October 2026
Registration Fee
Select your category and join us in shaping a fruitful future
Scientists & Researchers
₹5,250
Registration Fee
IAHS Members /
Alliance of Bioversity & CIAT
₹4,750
Registration Fee
Industry Representative / International Category
₹7,250
Registration Fee
Students, Farmer Organisations,
SHGs & Community Reps
₹1,750
Registration Fee
📌 Note: Registration fee includes conference kit, lunch, and refreshments.
Sponsorship Packages
Conference Organizing Committee
Patron
Dr. Umesh Maheswari
Founder, Centre for Fruitful India
Chairpersons
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh
DDG (Horticultural Sciences), ICAR
Dr. Chris J. Kettle
Principal Scientist, Lead Tree Biodiversity for Resilient Landscapes, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT
Co-Chairpersons
Dr. Prem Mathur
CFI's Technical Advisor, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT &
Scientific Leader and Coordinator, The Kirkhouse Trust SCIO
Dr. Suresh K. Malhotra
Vice Chancellor, Maharana Pratap Horticultural University,
Karnal, Haryana & Vice President, IAHS
Organising Secretaries
Dr. V.B. Patel
Assistant Director General,
Horticultural Science Division, ICAR, New Delhi
Dr. J.C. Rana
Senior Scientist and Country Representative for India,
Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, New Delhi
Conveners
-
Dr. Ram Asrey
ICAR-IARI, New Delhi -
Dr. Jai Prakash
ICAR-IARI, New Delhi -
Dr. Shyam Sundar Dey
ICAR-IARI, New Delhi -
Dr. Nripendra Vikram Singh
ICAR-IARI, New Delhi -
Dr. P. C. Tripathi
ICAR, New Delhi -
Dr. Anjani Kumar Jha
ICAR, New Delhi -
Disha Sanwal
Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT -
Dr. Harinder Vishwakarma
Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
About New Delhi
New Delhi, the capital of India, is a vibrant city that represents the country's political, cultural, historical, and economic identity. Located in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, New Delhi serves as the seat of the Government of India and is home to the Parliament of India, Supreme Court, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and numerous national institutions. The city combines India's rich historical heritage with modern infrastructure, making it an important destination for education, research, conferences, business, tourism, and international events.
New Delhi was formally inaugurated as the capital of British India in 1931, following its development as the new imperial capital designed by architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. Since independence in 1947, the city has evolved into the centre of India's democratic institutions and a major metropolitan hub. Today, New Delhi is known for its historic monuments, grand avenues, museums, gardens, cultural institutions, markets, and diverse culinary traditions.
The city offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern urban life. From the historic monuments of the Mughal and colonial eras to modern institutions, shopping districts, art galleries, cultural centres, and world-class hospitality, New Delhi provides visitors with a rich and diverse experience.
Places to Visit in New Delhi
New Delhi and the wider Delhi region offer numerous attractions for visitors, ranging from magnificent historical monuments and museums to gardens, temples, cultural centres, and vibrant markets.
- India Gate: One of New Delhi's most iconic landmarks, this monumental arch stands as a memorial to Indian soldiers and is surrounded by expansive lawns.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan: The official residence of the President of India and one of the finest examples of monumental architecture in New Delhi.
- Parliament House: An important symbol of India's democratic institutions and a prominent architectural landmark in the heart of New Delhi.
- Qutub Minar: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's most celebrated historical monuments, featuring the magnificent Qutub Minar complex.
- Humayun's Tomb: A magnificent Mughal-era monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, widely regarded as an architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
- Red Fort: A historic Mughal fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Old Delhi, closely associated with India's history and Independence Day celebrations.
- Lotus Temple: A distinctive architectural landmark known for its lotus-shaped structure and its message of peace and unity.
- Akshardham Temple: A magnificent cultural and spiritual complex showcasing Indian architecture, art, traditions, and heritage.
- National Museum: One of India's largest museums, housing an extensive collection representing the country's rich archaeological, artistic, and cultural heritage.
- Connaught Place: A major commercial and entertainment district known for its distinctive colonial architecture, restaurants, cafés, shops, and cultural attractions.
How to Reach New Delhi
New Delhi is one of India's best-connected cities and can be conveniently reached through an extensive network of airways, railways, metro services, and roadways. Its excellent connectivity makes it highly accessible for national and international conference participants.
- By Air: The Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the primary airport serving Delhi and the National Capital Region. It provides extensive domestic and international connectivity to major cities across India and destinations around the world.
- By Rail: New Delhi is a major railway hub with important stations including New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, and Anand Vihar Terminal. These stations provide extensive rail connectivity to cities across India.
- By Metro: The Delhi Metro provides fast and convenient connectivity across Delhi and the National Capital Region. It connects major railway stations, commercial areas, residential districts, and important landmarks, making it one of the most convenient ways to travel within the city.
- By Road: New Delhi is well connected to neighbouring states and major cities through an extensive network of national highways and expressways. Regular bus services, taxis, and private vehicles provide convenient road connectivity to destinations across northern India.
New Delhi – A City of Knowledge, Culture and Opportunity
New Delhi is home to several premier universities, research institutions, government organizations, international agencies, cultural institutions, and corporate establishments. Its strategic importance and excellent infrastructure make it a preferred destination for national and international conferences, academic meetings, exhibitions, workshops, and professional gatherings.
With its rich historical heritage, world-class connectivity, diverse cultural experiences, and modern hospitality infrastructure, New Delhi offers an ideal setting for conferences, academic events, professional interactions, and tourism.
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