In the quest of innovation, technology generation, development of novel Germplasm & capacity building in temperate horticulture, ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture came to existence in1994 under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi. Temperate horticulture sector is bestowed with the brighter path which supports life in more prosperous way through growing of more ruminative crops having better nutritional value and supports human and ecological health in sustainable way. During the recent past, horticulture sector in India has witnessed a tremendous growth in terms of total production due to the adoption of technological innovations at farm level. However, the productivity is still very low as compared to the advanced countries. The population of India has reached at 2 nd position at global level with only 2.4% land and 4.0% water resources. The import of temperate fruits and nuts (fresh and processed products) is also increasing many folds every year and country is losing hard earned money in terms of foreign exchange. This has posed many challenges for researchers forcing to develop adoptable innovation with faster pace and growers for producing more high quality and nutritious crops from limited available resources.

In this direction, the institute is working on mandated crops that includes pome fruits (apples, pears, and quince), stone fruits (peach, plum, nectarine, cherry, and apricots), nuts (walnut, almond hazelnut, pecan nut and chestnut), temperate vegetables (cole crops, long- day onions, garlic, kale, temperate root crops, and other exotic leafy vegetables) and medicinal and aromatic plants including saffron. The institute is working with a vision to harness science to ensure comprehensive and sustained physical, economical and ecological access to food and livelihood security of hilly people, through generation, assessment, refinement and adoption of appropriate technologies and varieties. The major goal is to provide the R & D support to all the stake holders for improving the livelihood and nutritional security.

The institute has developed national and international linkages for strengthening the research and development for temperate horticulture in the country. Institute is NAGS centre for temperate fruits and nuts and thereby is maintaining, evaluating, characterizing, improving, protecting and utilizing these crops for improving the economy of the country in general and the livelihood of the farmers in particular. Institute has a robust programs on the varietal development, registration & protection of elite germplasm, promotion of identified varieties, technology development for enhancing resource use, quality and productivity, production and distribution of disease free quality planting material, insect & disease diagnostics and management, post harvest management, human resource development etc. Institute has promoted their variety through development departments (J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh), State Agricultural Universities, KVKs etc by establishing mother blocks, demonstration blocks, nurseries and through commercial cultivation. The scientists of the institute are actively participating in projects and consultancy in addition to conducting top-notch research and developing excellent lab infrastructure facilities. The training programs offered are comprehensive and are continuously being updated to keep pace with latest developments and innovations. With access to knowledge and new technology, younger farmers are getting attracted to precision farming, value addition and there by generating better incomes. This also helps in tapping the export opportunities and restricting imports in certain cases.

I am confident that the institute will be going achieve its goal to serve better all the stakeholders for improving livelihood and nutritional security.