ABOUT AMITY UNIVERSITY

The Group is driven by its vision of building a Global Knowledge Network, providing globally benchmarked education. Today, the Group comprises 11 Universities, 28 schools and 16 international campuses across London, Singapore, Dubai, New York, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Mauritius, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Tashkent, South Africa, besides India.

Amity's relentless pursuit of excellence is reflected in its steadfast commitment and contribution towards cutting-edge research and innovation. For instance, Amity in the last four years has filed over 1,700 patents. It is also engaged in conducting over 400 hi- end Government-funded as well as international research projects including those funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, and Leverhulme Trust, UK.
With an aim to provide an impetus to research & innovation in the field of food and agriculture, Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) was founded by Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group envisages to establish itself as one of the premier educational institutions in the promotion of agricultural sciences and related technologies. Agriculture is one of the largest sectors in India with more than half of the population engaged in the agriculture-related occupation. Amity envisions supporting Indian farmers especially the marginal and smallholders through research, training and academic endeavors at various stages of production beginning from selection of seeds, fertilizers/biofertilizers, irrigation, preparation of farmland, integrated pest management, integrated nutrient management, harvesting, post-harvest management, use of simple machinery to remove drudgery, transportation, processing and allied areas.

The Group is driven by its vision of building a Global Knowledge Network, providing globally benchmarked education. Today, the Group comprises 11 Universities, 28 schools and 16 international campuses across London, Singapore, Dubai, New York, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Mauritius, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Tashkent, South Africa, besides India.

Amity's relentless pursuit of excellence is reflected in its steadfast commitment and contribution towards cutting-edge research and innovation. For instance, Amity in the last four years has filed over 1,700 patents. It is also engaged in conducting over 400 hi- end Government-funded as well as international research projects including those funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, and Leverhulme Trust, UK.

With an aim to provide an impetus to research & innovation in the field of food and agriculture, Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) was founded by Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group envisages to establish itself as one of the premier educational institutions in the promotion of agricultural sciences and related technologies. Agriculture is one of the largest sectors in India with more than half of the population engaged in the agriculture-related occupation. Amity envisions supporting Indian farmers especially the marginal and smallholders through research, training and academic endeavors at various stages of production beginning from selection of seeds, fertilizers/biofertilizers, irrigation, preparation of farmland, integrated pest management, integrated nutrient management, harvesting, post-harvest management, use of simple machinery to remove drudgery, transportation, processing and allied areas.

OVERVIEW

The horticulture sector contribution is approximately 33% to India's agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) as per 2024-25 crop year data. The share of horticultural food has increased to more than 50% in the food basket of consumers. India is currently producing about 320.48 million tons of horticulture produce which has surpassed the food grain production, that too from much less area. This significant contribution demonstrates the sector's vital role in the Indian economy as it also drives rural employment, diversifies farming activities, and enhances farmers' income", contributing to overall economic growth. Therefore, this sector needs more attention from policymakers, research institutions, and the corporate sectors to help increase nutritional and food security. Currently, to update the learners/ students with the industry trends and fast-track innovations in horticulture sector, Amity Institute of Horticulture Studies and Research (AIHSR) in collaboration with Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) and Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture (AIOA) is all set to announce the 3rd International Conference on Recent Advances in Horticulture Research (ICRAHoR-2026), that is scheduled to be held on 8th-9th April 2026, at Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida. The conference will be hosted in a hybrid mode.

ABOUT AMITY INSTITUTE OF HORTICULTURE STUDIES AND RESEARCH

With an aim to provide an impetus to research & innovation in the field of food and agriculture, Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) was founded by Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group envisages to establish itself as one of the premier educational institutions in the promotion of agricultural sciences and related technologies. Agriculture is one of the largest sectors in India with more than half of the population engaged in the agriculture-related occupation. Amity envisions supporting Indian farmers especially the marginal and smallholders through research, training and academic endeavors at various stages of production beginning from selection of seeds, fertilizers/biofertilizers, irrigation, preparation of farmland, integrated pest management, integrated nutrient management, harvesting, post-harvest management, use of simple machinery to remove drudgery, transportation, processing and allied areas.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Next-Generation Horticulture represents a move towards more technologically driven and sustainable farming practices with a holistic approach. Next-Gen horticulture focuses on using technology, promoting sustainability, and fostering innovation to transform traditional farming practices. This involves integrating advanced technologies like precision agriculture, automation to enhance efficiency, productivity, and resource utilization while minimizing environmental impact. The key aspects of Next-Gen Horticulture are Precision  agriculture, Smart farming, Micro-irrigation, Crop improvement, Biotechnological innovations involving omics technologies (Metabolomics, Proteomics, Transcriptomics, etc.), Nanotechnology, Vertical farming, Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Digitalization (Robotics, Sensors, Drones and Big Data, IoT, Data analytics, AI and Machine learning), Protected cultivation and Urban farming, Sustainable practices, Climate change resilience, Advances in post-harvest technology and value addition, Decarbonization, circular economy, closed-loop system, waste valorisation into packaging, bioenergy, and compost. In addition, Value-chain development, market access, ICT-based business models, youth engagement through entrepreneurship contest and startup ideas sums up the main agenda of the conference theme. On that account, advancements in horticulture sector emphasizes the use of technology to optimize existing horticultural practices where, Next-Generation horticulture integrates technological advancements with a holistic approach to sustainability and innovations. Through this conference, our focus is more towards holistic approach to horticulture, integrating future-oriented practices to obtain nutritional and food security.

The ICRAHOR-2026 “Next-Gen Horticulture Conference" signifies a focus on the future of the horticulture farming and industry, particularly in attracting and developing young talent, adopting new technologies, and addressing the evolving needs of the sector. It’ll serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing innovation in areas like crop improvement, precision farming, protected cultivation, and post-harvest management. This conference will foster future leaders by equipping them with the knowledge and skills they require for their career, acquainting them with cutting-edge technologies, addressing industry challenges, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing. The conference seeks to establish future R&D goals, projects and outreach programs to improve the role of horticulture in achieving global sustainability.  In essence, the Gen-Next Horticulture conference is a crucial event for shaping the future of learners by nurturing talent, promoting innovations, and addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

It could be used to optimize light, soil conditions, plant spacing, or other variables that could further speed up the production cycle or help us produce more nutrient-rich food. Such data may shape algorithms and drive further optimization. For suppliers and customers, a reliable and optimized system can ensure planning security.

Climate-smart horticulture, in conjunction with the most up-to-date crop improvement technologies utilizing genome- editing technology, is highly- anticipated and seems to be promising. Nano-emulsions and nano- materials for coating and packaging, horti-waste valorization techniques, vertical farming, robotic harvesting, 3-D printing, in vitro seed production for vegetatively propagated fruit crops, and other innovations could transform the horticulture sector as a whole.

Thus, this conference shall provide the platform to discuss trends and innovations in the field of Horticulture.

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OBJECTIVES

The conference aims to provide a platform for ambitious new actions, innovative solutions and plans to transform the horticulture industry. It is envisioned that the conference will have objectives including:
  • To equip the researchers and students with the latest technological trends in the horticulture sector, nurturing talent and fostering future leaders.
  • To develop a framework to strengthen food and nutritional security via horticultural products.
  • To develop a deep insight into the molecular approaches, nanotechnology, digitalization and hi-tech horticulture
  • To acquaint the researchers and students with the latest concepts like vertical farming, robotics, and Bigdata, for the future.
  • To explore breeding strategies to develop climate-resilient crops
  • To demonstrate the use of digital platforms and tools for farm management, market linkages, and access to information
  • To highlight innovations in storage, packaging, processing, and value-added products to minimize losses and maximize returns
  • To foster collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, and drive the transformation of the horticulture sector towards increased productivity, resilience, and profitability.
  • To motivate research, industry and academia to carry one challenging and innovative research and start-up programs in the horticulture sector.

THE CONFERENCE WILL FOCUS ON THE RECENT CHALLENGES AND UPDATES ON THE FOLLOWING THEMES

  • Breeding and Biotechnological innovation in horticulture
  • Digital Horticulture and Smart farming
  • Post-harvest management, value-addition and zero-waste horticulture
  • Climate resilient horticulture, Urban & backyard farming
  • Horti-Entrepreneurship and Start-up Success Stories (Invited Talks)
  • Young Horti-Entrepreneur Pitch (Competition)

STRUCTURE OF THE CONFERENCE

The event will bring together Scientists, Researchers, Entrepreneurs, Academicians, Nutritionists, Engineers, Horticulturists, Olericulturists, Floriculturists, Breeders, Industrialists, Quality Analysts and Technologists from all over the world to discuss the latest technological interventions, sustainable solutions for improving horticultural production, processing, nutritional security, quality and supply chain resilience.

CALL FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

Researchers, scientists, polic ymakers, academicians and students are invited to submit an abstract on any conference themes. by 1st April’ 2026.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Please read the submission rules before submitting an abstract.

  1. The presenting author is required to ensure that all co-authors are aware of the content of the abstract before
  2. The presenting author must be listed as the first
  3. Submitted abstracts should include non-published
  4. Abstracts previously presented will not be
  5. Please submit symbols as
  6. You may submit more than 1 However, presenters that are accepted for oral presentation will be permitted to give only 1 oral presentation. Additionally accepted abstracts will therefore be poster only.
  7. Please note the submitting author will receive all correspondence about the abstract so we advise that the submitting author's details that are entered are the same details as those of the presenting
  8. Your abstract is not successfully submitted until you receive a confirmation e-mail after clicking the final submit button. If you do not receive a confirmation e- mail, please contact
  9. Abstract layout - Abstracts must be submitted with the following sections:-

    Abstract Topic – abstracts must be allocated to a specific Theme.

    Affiliation details: department, institution / hospital, city, state (if relevant), country

    Abstract title - limited to 20 words in UPPER CASE

    Abstract title is followed by Author names and their affiliations ( Institute name/ University name/ Place/ State) and a corresponding author email address.

    Author name: Last name Initials1, Last name Initials2, and Last name Initials3.

    Abstract text limited to 250 words; Times New Roman; 12 font size.

    Keywords: 5 -6

      Abstract must not contain any data, figure or

      Presenting author's contact details (should be the same details as the submitting author so that the presenting author receives the correspondence about the abstract:

      • Email address
      • Full postal address
      • Contact number
      • Full first and family name(s)

    FULL-LENGTH PAPER GUIDELINES

    1. Aim and scope: The articles related to the themes proposed in ICRAHOR-2026 will only be considered. Both research and review articles are The article must fall into the aim and scope of ICRAHOR-2026.
    2. Articles selected from the conference may be considered for publication in partner Scopus-indexed journals after peer review.
    3. Articles should be suitably divided into the following sub-sections: TITLE, AFFILIATION, ABSTRACT, KEYWORDS, INTRODUCTION, MATERIALS AND METHODS, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION, and Tables and figures should be appended at the end of the text.
    4. The article must be in Times New Roman, 12 font size, and double
    5. The maximum word limit for a research article is 3000 words and for a review, the article is 5000 words excluding references, abstract, and
    6. The sections and subsections must be numbered e. 1, 1.1, 1.1.1, 2, 2.1, 2.1.1….. etc.
    7. If the article is found suitable as per the journal standards, the author will have to modify it according to the Scopus indexed journal's Later on, the peer review process will be carried out by the journal for quality assurance.

    Peer Review Process

    • All submitted manuscripts undergo peer review to ensure scientific quality and relevance.
    • An initial screening is conducted by the Conference Editorial/Scientific Committee for scope, formatting, and originality (plagiarism check).
    • The conference follows a single/double-blind peer review process.
    • Each paper is reviewed by expert reviewer(s) in the relevant field.
    • Reviewers evaluate originality, methodology, clarity, technical quality, and relevance to the conference theme.
    • Based on reviewer comments, papers may be accepted, accepted with revisions, or rejected.
    • Only papers that successfully complete the review and revision process are included in the final proceedings.

    Ethical Policy

    Poster Guidelines

    • Poster size may be no more than 4 feet by 2 feet (i.e., length is no more than 4 feet, and the width is no more than 2 feet). Oversized posters will obscure an adjacent poster and will be rejected.
    • Presenters will be assigned a specific time slot (session theme time slot as per programme schedule) and numbered space for their poster presentation.
    • The conference staff will provide stands for the posters and pushpins for mounting posters.
    • All posters must be set up in the time allotted before the session and must remain up until the session ends. Presenters are to remain by their poster during the entire time of the assigned session time, to answer questions and be evaluated by poster judges. After the session ends, posters and materials should be promptly removed and the area cleaned up.
    • Given the number of posters, judges may only have 8-10 minutes or less to review, discuss, and evaluate a poster presentation.
    • Poster presentations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
      1. The title, names of authors, and the institution(s) where the research was performed should be included at the top of the poster.
      2. The poster layout should follow a logical order, including text and graphics that explain the objectives of the research and why it is important; the hypothesis/statement of the problem; methods and controls; results; conclusions and future research; and references and acknowledgements.
      3. All text material should be legible from approximately 4 feet away. The font should be clear, and the text size should not be less than 14 points.

    Important Dates

    Abstract Submission Deadline: 31st March 2026


    Abstract acceptance last date: 1st April 2026


    Registration last date: 7th April 2026


    Full-length paper submission last date: 15th May 2026


REGISTRATION FEE

S. No.

Category

Registration Fee

1

Indian Industry Professionals

₹ 5,000

2

Indian Academicians / Scientists / Others

₹ 2,500

3

Amity Students

₹ 500

4

Non-Amity Students

₹ 1,000

5

International Research Scholars & Students

USD 50

6

International Academicians / Scientists

USD 100

7

International Industry Professionals

USD 200

8

Paper Presentation with Scopus-Indexed Proceedings*

₹ 8,000 / USD 200

DAY 1

Date: 8th April 2026

Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM


Registration: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM


Young Horti Entrepreneur Pitch Competition

Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM


HIGH TEA AND POSTER DISPLAY

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM


Inaugural Session

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch Break: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM


LUNCH BREAK AND POSTER PRESENTATION SESSIONS 1 AND 2

Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM


Session 1: Breeding and Biotechnological Innovation in Horticulture

Time: 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM


TEA BREAK AND POSTER PRESENTATION SESSIONS 1 AND 2

Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM


Session 2: Digital Horticulture and Smart Farming

DAY 2

Date: 9th April 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM


Session 3: Post-Harvest Management, Value-Addition and Zero-Waste Horticulture

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM


TEA BREAK AND POSTER PRESENTATION SESSIONS 3 AND 4

Time: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM


Session 4: Climate Resilient Horticulture, Urban & Backyard Farming

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM


Lunch Break and Poster Presentation Sessions 3 & 4

Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM


Session 5: Horti-Entrepreneurship and Start-Ups Success Story

Time: 2:30 PM – 3:35 PM


Award Distribution & Valedictory Session

Time: 3:35 PM – 4:35 PM


High Tea

Time: 4:35 PM – 5:00 PM

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Abstract submission   25th   March 2026
  • Abstract acceptance last date   1st   April 2026
  • Registration last date   7th   April 2026
  • Full-length paper submission last date   15th   May 2026

PATRON INFORMATION

Patron-In-Chief

Dr. Ashok K Chauhan
Founder President RBEF

Patron

Dr. Atul Chauhan
Chancellor, Amity University

Co-Patron

Dr. (Mrs.) Balvinder Shukla
Vice-Chancellor, Amity University

Co-Patron

DR. W. SELVAMURTHY
President (ASTIF), Director General, Amity Directorate of Science and Innovation (ADSI) Chancellor, Amity University, Chhattisgarh

CONVENOR

CO-CONVENOR

Coordinator

Scientific Committee

Azucena Gonzalez Coloma
Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias (CSIC), Madrid, Spain

Dr. Maria Fe Andrés
Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias (CSIC), Madrid, Spain

Dr. Naceur Djebali
Centre of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria (CBBC), Tunisia

Dr. Mokhtar Elbekkay
Centre of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria (CBBC), Tunisia

Dr. Shalini Gaur Rudra
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India

Dr. Ram Asrey
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India

Session Coordinators

  • Dr. Abhishek Sharma, Assistant Professor, AFAF
  • Dr. Anamika Verma, Assistant Professor, AIHSR
  • Dr. Arpita Bhattacharya, Professor, AFAF
  • Dr. C.A. Devi, Assistant Professor, AIHSR
  • Dr. Gouthami Shivaswamy, Assistant Professor, AIHSR
  • Dr. Nishant Kumar, Assistant Professor, AFAF
  • Dr. Pragya Barua, BioCARe Fellow, AFAF
  • Dr. Priyank Sharma, Assistant Professor, AIHSR
  • Dr. Sachin , Assistant Professor, AIHSR
  • Mr. Tushar, Assistant Professor cum Research Scientist, AFAF

Rapporteurs

  • Dr. Ajay Tomar, Assistant Professor, AIOA
  • Dr. Chaitra, Assistant Professor, AIOA
  • Dr. Chitranjan, Associate Professor, AIOA
  • Dr. Deepshikha Thakur, Assistant Professor, AIOA
  • Dr. Garima Thakur, Assistant Professor, AIOA
  • Dr. Nikhil Chandel, Assistant Professor, AIOA
  • Dr. Payal Chakraborty, Assistant Professor, AIOA
  • Dr. Karthikeyan, Associate Professor, AIOA,
  • Dr. Kshitij Parmar, Assistant Professor, AIOA
  • Dr. Tarun Sharma, Assistant Professor, AIOA

Adminstrative Coordinator

  • Ms. Sebanti, Assistant Manager
  • Ms. Nishtha Dixit, Research And Adminstrative Coordinator
  • Ms. Sonia Verma, Academic Coordinator
  • Mr. Ankur Nawani, Senior Project Assistant

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Criteria
Complimentary
Platinum Sponsorship: Rs 2,00,000
Registration of 4 delegates
1 Stall
Gold Sponsorship: Rs 1,00,000
Registration of 3 delegates
1 Stall
Silver Sponsorship: Rs 50,000
Registration of 2 delegates
1 Stall
Bronze Sponsorship: Rs 25,000
Registration of 1 delegates
1 Stall

Exhibition Stall: ₹10,000

Media Partner

Publications Partner

Sponsorship Partner