NEW DELHI, 28 February 2024: The Neem Summit and Global Neem Trade Fair, held in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi, concluded recently in New Delhi.

The two-day event focused on the theme "Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment."

Over 250 participants, including 10 from overseas, attended the seminar. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR, inaugurated the event alongside Dr. P.K. Singh, Agricultural Production Commissioner, and Justice Honorable K.T. Tated, Chairman, Human Rights Commission, Government of Maharashtra.

The summit emphasized the significance of neem for promoting human well-being. Speakers highlighted the need for a national mission to encourage the cultivation of neem, given the country's focus on neem-coated urea and neem-based health products.

The event also positioned neem as a viable option for plantation forestry, ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials for industries. Additionally, the program advocated for the use of neem trees for carbon farming.

Seven technical sessions were held during the two-day program, addressing various technical aspects of neem research and development for societal and industrial benefit. The event also saw the launch of a souvenir, a WNO calendar, a technical bulletin titled "Neem Field Gene Bank - Provisioning Opportunities for Conservation and Utilization," and a WNO documentary.

Guests of honor presented Outstanding Contributions Awards (WNO & SSCE Awards), with Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICAR, delivering the closing remarks. Dr. Nirmala Kothari, Secretary General, expressed her gratitude to the participants and organizers.