Ornamental plants displayed at the National Floriculture and Landscape Conference at Shivamogga College of Agriculture on Monday. | Photo credit: SK Dinesh
Vice-Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Karnal, Haryana, Suresh Kumar Malhotra, emphasized the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture in the coming years to mitigate climate change.
Inaugurating a three-day national conference on ‘Floriculture and Landscaping @ 2047 Viksit Bharat’ held at Shivamogga College of Agriculture on Monday, Mr. Malhotra said greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture were estimated at around 15%. “We need to take action to bring it down to 5 percent by 2047,” he said.
Noting that the average soil carbon level was 0.3%, Mr. Malhotra advocated measures to raise the level to 1%. “We have to go for modernization and mechanization of agriculture. Similarly, we have to adopt artificial intelligence wherever it is necessary,” he said.
Mr. Malhotra, who is also the president of the Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture, said that ornamental horticulture offered amazing ecological services that remained hardly recognized. “There are many ornamental trees that sequester carbon dioxide. By planting ornamental trees on one hectare of land, we can sequester more than 90 tons of carbon dioxide,” he said.
T. Janakirami, former Vice-Chancellor of YSR Horticulture University, Andhra Pradesh, emphasized the integration of information technology with horticulture to improve efficiency and productivity. He also emphasized the importance of preserving and supporting the wealth of native plants.
RC Jagadeesha, Vice Chancellor, KSNUAHS said the primary objective of the conference was to bring together policy makers, researchers, students and stakeholders on a common platform to promote collaboration and growth in the floriculture industry. Hemla Naik, Director of Education, KSNUAHS and Organizing Secretary of the conference said that 240 delegates, including scholars and students from various places, attended the conference.
The Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture awarded fellowships to five scientists, recognizing their contribution to ornamental horticulture. In addition, two PhD students, four postgraduate students and two participants were recognized on the occasion for their remarkable studies.
Published – 23 March 2026 18:17 IST
