The Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade fair is being organized by collaboration with lCAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi in New Delhi on 19-20 February 2024. The event began with the opening of a Trade Fair by Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR Dr Himanshu Pathak. 22 companies participated in the trade fair from India and abroad who showcased their products. Following this, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR Dr. Himanshu Pathak inaugurated the Neem Summit along with Guests of Honour - Dr. P.K. Singh, Agricultural Production Commissioner, and Justice Honorable K.T. Tated, Chairman, Human Rights Commission, Government of Maharashtra.

The seminar is being attended by nearly 250 participants, amongst which 10 are from overseas. The theme of the seminar is Neem for sustainable Agriculture, health and Environment. WNO president Dr. B.N. Vyas welcomed the guests; Dr A. Arunachalam introduced the program and Dr Rajbir Singh gave induction remarks on the Neem.

Distinguished guests highlighted the importance of Neem in human wellbeing. With the Country's priority of promoting neem coated urea and neem-based health products, growing neem in the country becomes vital and this calls for a national level mission.

Over all, the Summit flagged neem as a plantation forestry option that would sustain the raw material requirements of industry. At the same time, neem trees for carbon farming was also advocated in the program.

The 2 days program has about 7 technical sessions to deliberate on various technical matters pertaining to neem research and development for society and industry. The Souvenir, WNO Calendar and Technical Bulletin titled “Neem Field Gene Bank - Provisioning Opportunities for Conservation and Utilization” were released followed by WNO Documentary launch.

Outstanding Contributions (WNO& SSCE Awards) were presented by the Guests of Honour Dr PK Singh, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Justice Honorable K.T. Tated, Chairperson, Maharashtra Human Rights Commission and the Chief Guest Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICAR. The Secretary General Dr. Nirmala Kothari proposed the Vote of Thanks.

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